Support apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a support apparatus for supporting items having a stand member and a wheel, wherein the item is supported from a surface at a height by either the stand member or the wheel, the apparatus configured to move the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, to correspondingly move the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position. Also disclosed herein are other embodiments of a support apparatus for supporting items having a stand member and a wheel.

Description

SUPPORT APPARATUSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for supporting items from a surface.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Supports for items comprising a wheel are known. Such supports need to be able to lock the wheel or place the wheel in a position in which it is unable to rotate such that the support can remain stationary. The support should also provide stability to the item it is supporting.

[0003] One example of a support for items comprising a wheel are castor wheel systems fitted with feet. To provide a stable support for an item, the foot associated with the wheel is lowered and the height of the foot is adjusted so that the wheel is unable to rotate against the ground. Thus, the wheel cannot be used to move the support. However, the support will usually experience a change in height as the foot is deployed. This can be a disadvantage in applications where it is important to maintain a consistent height of the item. For example, when the item comprises a scientific instrument and the instrument has been set to operate at a particular height, changes in height can affect its operation. As another example, when the item comprises scaffolding, the scaffolding must typically be a certain and consistent height, for instance to allow workers safe and easy access to particular parts of a construction site.

[0004] Other mechanisms for supporting an item on a wheel include locking mechanisms for wheels. These act to lock the wheels so that rotation is not possible. For example, many castor wheel systems are fitted with a locking mechanism comprising a lever or other braking surface which can be engaged to stop rotational movement of the wheel. Typically, these systems operate on the principle that, in the braking position, a part of the lever or braking surface contacts part of the wheel such that movement of the wheel is inhibited. However, the support often experiences jarring as the wheel is locked into place. This can be a disadvantage in applications where the item is sensitive to vibrations induced by jarring. For example, scientific instruments may be sensitive to jarring, with vibrations disrupting their calibration.

[0005] It may be desirable to provide a support for items comprising a wheel in which the height of the item is maintained during deployment. It may also be desirable to provide a support for items comprising a wheel in which jarring is minimised during deployment. It isalso desirable to have a support for items which can be used to easily move items from location to location, and to be able to selectively and easily arrest the wheels from movement, and thereby stably hold the supported item in a desired location when required and in addition locking the position of the supported item.

[0006] It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention relates to a support for items. The support may be of particular advantage in applications where it is desirable to maintain a height from the surface of an item being supported by the support. For example, when the item comprises a scientific instrument that is set up to operate at a particular height, ensuring the height of the instrument is maintained can minimise the risk of needing to adjust the instrument.

[0008] Disclosed herein in an aspect of the invention is a support apparatus for supporting items having a stand member and a wheel, wherein the item is supported from a surface at a height by either the stand member or the wheel, the apparatus configured to move the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, to correspondingly move the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position. That is, said movement of the wheel between the lowered position and the raised position and said movement of the stand member between the raised position and the lowered position can occur in a like manner. By providing a support in which said movement of the stand member corresponds to said movement of the wheel, the item is able supported from the surface by the stand member or the wheel.

[0009] In this regard, in some embodiments, the support may be configured such that as the wheel and the stand member are moved, the height of the item remains substantially constant. For example, said movement of the wheel and said movement of the stand member may be oppositely directed such that the item is supported at the surface by either the stand member or the wheel and the height of the item from the surface remains substantially constant. An advantage of the support may be that, in some embodiments, minimal effort is required to transition between configurations. This is because the load resting on the apparatus, is at alltimes, supported entirely by either one or other wheel or foot. During the transition, the load may be shifted seamlessly to either the wheel or the foot and visa versa.

[0010] In contradistinction to many supports of the prior art, an item supported by the support disclosed herein remains at a substantially constant height as the stand member and the wheel are moved between the raised position and the lowered position. This is particularly advantageous in applications in which it is important to maintain a constant height of an item. The support disclosed herein may also provide a smoother transition between being supported by the wheel and the stand member. This is advantageous in applications in which the item being supported by the support is sensitive to movement. For instance, when the item being supported is a scientific (or other) instrument, jarring of the instrument may cause damage to the instrument or may disrupt its calibration. By minimising the amount of jarring, damage and the risk of calibration issues may be minimised. As another example, when the item being supported is scaffolding, a hospital bed, or another item supporting a person, minimising jarring as the stand member and the wheel are moved can help to ensure comfort and safety of the person. Furthermore, the force required to transition the support disclosed herein between a configuration in which the item is supported by the wheel and a configuration in which the item is supported by the stand member may be lower compared to supports of the prior art. This is because the load of the item is supported by the wheel, the stand member, or a combination of both at all times. This is advantageous in applications in which the item being supported has a heavy load, for example, a shipping container.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support may be configured such that the item is supported by either the stand member or the wheel so that the support is selectively able to prohibit movement of the support, for example locking it in a desired or predetermined position, and item supported thereon, or to allow the supported item to be wheeled from one location to another.

[0012] In some embodiments, the support may comprise a cam block couplable to the stand member and the wheel. The cam block may comprise a wheel cam slot and a stand member cam slot. The wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot may be configured so as to enable movement of the wheel between the lowered position and the raised position and, at the same time, corresponding movement of the stand member between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the support may further comprise: a wheel axle extending through the wheel cam slot, being moveable within said slot, and coupled to the wheel; and a stand member axle extending through the stand member cam slot, being moveable within said slot, and coupled to the stand member. The wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot may be configured so as to enable movement of the respective axles within the slots thereby causing movement of the wheel between the lowered position and the raised position and, at the same time, corresponding movement of the stand member between the raised position and the lowered position. As above, the cam slots may be configured such that the item is supported by either the stand member or the wheel so that the apparatus is selectively able to prohibit movement of the support or to allow the supported item to be wheeled from one location to another.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot may be oppositely configured to as to enable complementary movement of the respective axles within the slots.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wheel cam slot may comprise two ends oppositely located, the wheel axle being moveable between the two ends, and configured such that, when the wheel axle is located at a first end, the wheel is in the lowered position, and when the wheel axle is located at a second end, the wheel is in the raised position. Similarly, in some embodiments, the stand member cam slot may comprise two ends oppositely located, the stand member axle being moveable between the two ends, and configured such that, when the stand member axle is located at a first end, the stand member is in the raised position, and when the stand member axle is located at a second end, the stand member is in the lowered position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot are configured so as to provide a resting stop to the respective axle when the respective axle is located at an end of the respective cam slot. The resting stop may be configured such that, when the axles are thereat located, the axle does not experience a torque which would cause movement of the axle within the respective slot.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the stand member cam slot and the wheel cam slot may comprise at least one constant radius portion whereby, as the respective axle moves within the respective cam slot, a distance between the respective axle when located in the respective slotand a pivot point of the cam block remains constant. As the respective axle moves through the respective cam slot in the constant radius portion, the height of the wheel or stand member remains constant.

[0018] In some embodiments, each of the stand member cam slot and the wheel cam slot may further comprise at least one changing radius portion whereby, as the respective axle moves within the respective cam slot, the distance between the respective axle when located in the respective slot and the pivot point of the cam block changes. As the respective axle moves through the respective cam slot in the changing radius portion, the wheel or stand member is raised and lowered.

[0019] In this regard, it will be understood that the constant radius (or changing radius) portion of a respective cam slot refers to the longitudinal portion along which the respective axle travels when located in the constant radius (or changing radius) portion of the respective slot.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cam block may be configured such that, as the axles move within the respective cam slots, one axle locates within a constant radius portion while the other axle locates within a changing radius portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cam block may comprise a first section in which the wheel cam slot comprises a constant radius portion and the stand member cam slot comprises a changing radius portion. The cam block may also comprise a second section in which the wheel cam slot comprises a changing radius portion and the stand member cam slot comprises a constant radius portion. In these embodiments, the cam block may further comprise an intermediate section between the first section and the second section in which, as the respective axle moves within the respective cam slot, the distance between the respective axle and the pivot point is constant.

[0022] In some embodiments, the constant distance between the wheel axle and the pivot point may be the same in the first section and the intermediate section. Similarly, in some embodiments, the constant distance between the stand member axle and the pivot point may be the same in the second section and the intermediate section.

[0023] In some embodiments, the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot may each be configured such that rotation of the cam block causes movement of the wheel axle within thewheel cam slot and causes movement of the stand member axle within the stand member cam slot.

[0024] In some embodiments, the slots may be configured to allow movement of the respective axle within the respective slot as the cam block is rotated.

[0025] In some embodiments, an arc length of the slots in the first section and the second section may be configured to accommodate a vertical distance of the wheel and a vertical distance of the stand member between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0026] In some embodiments, an arc length of the slots in the first section may be configured such that, as the axles move within the respective slots of the first section, the stand member moves between the raised position and the lowered position. For example, the central angle of the arc may be between about 20° to about 110°.

[0027] In some embodiments, an arc length of the slots in the second section may be configured such that, as the axles move within the respective slots of the second section, the wheel moves between the lowered position and the raised position. For example, the central angle of the arc may be between about 20° to about 110°.

[0028] In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the raised position and the lowered position of the wheel may be the same as the vertical distance between the raised position and the lowered position of the stand member. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the vertical distance between the raised position and the lowered position of the wheel may be different than the vertical distance between the raised position and the lowered position of the stand member. For example, providing a vertical distance between the raised and lowered positions of the stand member which is greater can enable a greater clearance between the surface and the stand member when the stand member is in the raised position. This can advantageously enable easier movement (i.e. wheeling) of the support apparatus across uneven ground.

[0029] In some embodiments, a curvature of the slots as the respective axles move between the constant radius portion to the changing radius portion may be configured to enable the respective axles to move smoothly within the respective slots. For example, the curvature of the slots can be selected such that friction between the axles and the respective slots is minimal, enabling movement of the respective axle.

[0030] As each axle moves within a respective slot, a force is experienced by the axle. It has been found that the magnitude of this force is proportional to an angle between a vertical line and a radius from the axle that touches the slot. In the context of the specification, this is defined as the ‘tangent angle’. When the tangent angle is 0°, the torque force exerted on the axle is zero. As a result, the axle does not have a tendency to move within the slot without the cam block being rotated. Additionally, the force needed to move the axle within the slot is minimised. As the tangent angle is increased, the force required to move the axle within the slot is increased. At a non-zero tangent angle, the axle also experiences a torque which can cause the axle to move within the slot without the cam block being rotated. This can cause inadvertent movement of the stand member and / or wheel.

[0031] In some embodiments, an arc length of the slots in the intermediate portion may be configured so as to provide stability to the support. For example, the central angle of the arc may be between about 8° to about 20°.

[0032] In some embodiments, the support may further comprise a handle configured to operate rotation of the cam block so as to drive movement of the wheel axle and the stand member axle within the respective cam slots. Alternatively, the support may comprise a motor configured to cause rotation of the cam block during operation so as to drive movement of the wheel axle and the stand member axle within the respective cam slots.

[0033] In some embodiments, the stand member may comprise a vertical leg member and a foot at a lower end of the leg member for supporting the item on the surface. In some of these embodiments, when the stand member is in the lowered position, the foot may be substantially planar to the surface so as to provide stability to the support.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cam block may be coupled to the stand member by slots through which the stand member axle and the wheel axle extend.

[0035] In some embodiments, the support may further comprise a mounting portion coupled to the stand member and the wheel such that it supports the item by the stand member or the wheel. The mounting portion may comprise slots configured to receive the foot axle and the wheel axle such that, as the cam block rotates, the axles are able to move within the slots so as to maintain the constant height. This is advantageous in applications where it is desirable to maintain a height from the surface of the item, for example, when the item comprises ascientific instrument that is set up to operate at a particular height, ensuring the height of the instrument is maintained can minimise the risk of needing to adjust the instrument.

[0036] In some variations, a profile of the cam block may comprise a quadrant of a circle. When the profile comprises a quadrant of a circle, the pivot point of the cam block may be located at a corner of the quadrant. In addition, a distance between the stand member cam slot and the pivot point may be less than a distance between the wheel cam slot and the pivot point. Said configuration of cam slots relative to the pivot point enables the simultaneous movement of the wheel and the stand member between the raised and the lowered positions.

[0037] In some variations, the wheel may be one of two wheels which are the same and are couplable to the cam block, such that movement of the wheel axle within the wheel cam slot causes both wheels to be moved in tandem between the raised position and the lowered position. In some of these variations, the cam block may be one of two cam blocks which are the same, and are couplable to the stand member with the stand member arranged therebetween. For example, the stand member may comprise a single leg member, with the single leg member arranged between the two cam blocks, and each wheel coupled to an outer side of a cam block. In some of these variations, the mounting portion comprises two downwardly directed flange portions, each flange portion comprising slots and being couplable to a respective cam block via the slots.

[0038] In other variations, the stand member may comprise two leg members being spaced apart to receive the wheel therebetween. In some of these other variations, the stand member may comprise an aperture, wherein, as the stand member and the wheel are moved between the raised position and the lowered position, the wheel is receivable through the aperture so as to contact the surface. In some of these other variations, the mounting portion may comprise two downwardly directed flange portions, each flange being couplable to a respective leg member of the stand member.

[0039] In yet other variations, the cam block may comprise a profile other than a quadrant. For example, the cam block may comprise a circular profile. As another example, the cam block may comprise an ovular profile. For example, a cam block with an ovular profile may be of use in embodiments in which the vertical distance between the raised and lowered position of the stand member is different to the vertical distance between the raised and lowered position of the wheel. When the cam block comprises a circular or an ovular profile,the pivot point may be located at a centre of the circle or oval. Alternatively, the pivot point may be offset relative to the centre of the circle or oval. Additionally, the stand member cam slot and the wheel cam slot may be oppositely located on the cam block relative to the pivot point. Without being bound by theory, it is thought that the cam block may comprise profiles other than quadrants, circular or ovular, as long as the cam block can accommodate the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot. For example, the cam block may comprise an irregularly shaped profile.

[0040] In some embodiments, the foot may be configurable between a stabilising configuration and a storage configuration. For instance, the foot may be configurable to be in the stabilising configuration when the stand member is in the lowered position and may be configurable to be in the storage configuration when the stand member is in the raised position. Advantageously, this may enhance the stability of the support when the stand member is in the lowered position and can enhance the movability of the support when the stand member is in the raised position.

[0041] In some embodiments, the surface may comprise a ground surface. For example, the ground surface may be located in an outside environment or in an inside environment.

[0042] In some embodiments, the wheel(s) may be removable from the support. Advantageously, by removing the wheel(s) when the wheel(s) are in the raised position, the risk of the items supported by the support being moved and / or stolen may be reduced. This may be a particular advantage in applications where there is a high risk of theft of the item attached to the support, for example shipping containers. In such applications, removal of the wheels minimises the risk of the item (e.g. shipping container) being stolen because it cannot be simply rolled away (i.e. because the wheels have been removed).

[0043] In some embodiments, the support may comprise an intermediary portion. The intermediary portion may be coupled to the wheel axle. The coupling may be such that, as the rotation of the cam block causes movement of the wheel axle within the wheel cam slot, the intermediary portion and the wheel may both be caused to move between the lowered position and the raised position. For example, the intermediary portion may comprise a hub configured to house the cam block, the hub being coupled to the wheel axle. Alternatively, the intermediary portion may comprise two bearing hubs. The two bearing hubs may be located on either side of the cam block and may be coupled to the wheel axle. In some of theseembodiments, wherein the intermediary portion may further comprise one or more tie bars connected between the bearing hubs. The tie bars may provide a lateral force which maintains an alignment of the two bearing hubs as the cam block is rotated.

[0044] Disclosed herein in another aspect of the invention is an apparatus for supporting items having a stand member and a wheel, wherein the item is supported from a surface at a height by either the stand member or the wheel, the support comprising a cam block couplable to the stand member and the wheel, comprising a wheel cam slot and a stand member cam slot, and the apparatus configured to move the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, to move the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the item is supported at the surface by either the stand member or the wheel and, as the wheel and the stand member are moved, the height of the item remains substantially constant.

[0045] Disclosed herein in a further aspect of the invention is an apparatus for supporting items having a stand member and a wheel, wherein the item is supported from a surface at a height by either the stand member or the wheel, the support comprising a cam block couplable to the stand member and the wheel, comprising a wheel cam slot and a stand member cam slot, and the apparatus configured to move the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, to move the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position, such that the item is supported by either the stand member or the wheel so that the apparatus is selectively able to prohibit movement of the apparatus, i.e. locking the apparatus in a desired or predetermined position, and item supported thereon or to allow the supported item to be wheeled from one location to another.

[0046] Disclosed herein in an aspect of the invention is a support apparatus for supporting items from a surface comprising: a stand member and a wheel, whereby the support supports the item from the surface by the stand member or the wheel; a cam block couplable to the stand member and the wheel, comprising a wheel cam slot and a stand member cam slot; a wheel axle extending through the wheel cam slot, being moveable within said slot, and coupled to the wheel; and a stand member axle extending through the stand member cam slot, being moveable within said slot, and coupled to the stand member. The wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot are configured so as to enable movement of the respective axles within the slots thereby causing movement of the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, movement of the stand member between a raisedposition and a lowered position such that the item is supported by either the stand member or the wheel so that the apparatus is selectively able to prohibit movement of the apparatus, for example locking it in a desired or predetermined position, and item supported thereon, or to allow the supported item to be wheeled from one location to another. For example, the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot may be oppositely configured to as to enable complementary movement of the respective axles within the slots.

[0047] Disclosed herein in yet a further aspect of the invention is a locking mechanism for locking a rotating member in a first position or in a second position. The locking mechanism may be used to prevent accidental rotational motion of the rotating member. For example, the locking mechanism may be used in the support apparatus of other aspects of the invention to prevent accidental rotation of the cam block. As another example, the locking mechanism may be used to prevent accidental rotation of a ball valve. The locking mechanism of the present disclosure can reduce the force required by a user to release the contact member and move the contact member from the first position to the second position.

[0048] The locking mechanism comprises: a cam path defined in a hub; a lever; and a biasing member coupled to the lever at a first end by a contact member, the contact member being moveable along the cam path between the first position and the second position so as to cause rotation of the rotating member and being lockable and unlockable at the first position and at the second position. The biasing member is pre-tensioned such that, as a radial force is applied to the biasing member by the lever, the contact member is moved onto the cam path, thereby unlocking the contact member, and the lever becomes moveable so as to move the contact member between the first position and the second position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may further comprise a first end stop and a second end stop. The lever may be moveable between the first end stop and the second end stop when the contact member is located on the cam path.

[0050] In some embodiments, the movement of the lever and the movement of the contact member may be coupled such that as the lever moves between the first end stop and the second end stop, the contact member moves between the first position and the second position. In this regard, movement of the lever between the first end stop and the second end stop may cause movement of the contact member between the first position and the secondposition. Alternatively or additionally, movement of the contact member between the first position and the second position may cause movement of the lever between the first end stop and the second end stop.

[0051] Accordingly, the first end stop and the second end stop may be located and configured such that when the contact member is at the first position, the lever abuts the first end stop and when the contact member is at the second position, the lever abuts the second end stop. The lever may be movable between the first end stop and the second end stop when the contact member is located on the cam path. The lever may be configured such that an end portion thereof abuts the first end stop and / or the second stop. Alternatively, the lever may be configured such that an intermediary portion thereof abuts the first end stop and / or the second end stop.

[0052] In some embodiments, the biasing member may be further pre-tensioned such that, when the contact member is moved onto the cam path, a rotational tension on the biasing member is released which causes the contact member to move along the cam path from the first position to the second position. Advantageously, this can assist easy movement of the contact member. By assisting easy movement of the contact member, the force required by the user to move the contact member may be reduced. In this regard, the locking mechanism can provide a way of locking and unlocking the rotating member which requires less force from the user. When the contact member is in the second position, it becomes locked in the second position, thereby locking the rotating member.

[0053] As the contact member is moved along the cam path from the first position to the second position, the lever is moved from a position in which it abuts the first end stop to a position in which it abuts the second end stop. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the second end stop may be configured to stop further rotation of the contact member when the contact member is in the second position.

[0054] In some embodiments, the contact member may comprise a bearing.

[0055] In some embodiments, the biasing member may comprise spring. For example, the spring may comprise a coiled portion pre-tensioned to provide the rotational force when the contact member is moved onto the cam path, and an arm portion that is radially pre-tensioned.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first position may correspond to a position in which the lever is in a lowered position and the second position may correspond to a position in which the lever is in a raised position.

[0057] The locking mechanism may be coupled to the support apparatus of any one of the other aspects of the present invention. In such applications, the rotating member comprises the cam block of the support apparatus. In this regard, the locking mechanism advantageously provides a way of locking the cam block in the first position or in the second position. Of further advantage is that the locking mechanism can provide a way of easily rotating the cam block from the first position to the second position with minimal intervention from the user. As the contact member is moved between the first position and the second position, the cam block is caused to rotate, thereby causing movement of the wheel axle within the wheel cam slot and movement of the stand member axle within the stand member cam slot.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the contact member is in the first position, the wheel may be in the raised position and the stand member may be in the lowered position, and when the contact member is in the second position, the wheel may be in the lowered position and the stand member may be in the raised position. Advantageously, in embodiments in which the biasing member is pre-tensioned with a rotational tension, the support apparatus is easily moveable between the wheel up / stand member down to the wheel down / stand member down position (i.e. by simply moving the contact member onto the cam path).

[0059] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be couplable to an exterior of the support apparatus. In some of these embodiments, the locking mechanism may comprise a housing couplable to the exterior of the support apparatus, the housing comprising the hub, the lever and the biasing member. A second end of the biasing member may be coupled to the housing. In addition, the locking mechanism may further comprise a locking nut coupled to the lever and the cam block such that, as the lever moves between the first end stop and the second end stop, the locking nut is caused to rotate, thereby causing rotation of the cam block. For example, the locking nut may be coupled to the lever and the cam block via a cam block axle.

[0060] Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be integrated into the support apparatus. For example, the hub of the locking mechanism may comprise a hub of an intermediaryportion of the support and the rotational member may comprise the cam block. In such embodiments, a second end of the biasing member may be coupled to the cam block.

[0061] In some embodiments, the lever may comprise a foot operated lever. Advantageously, this enables the user to operate the locking mechanism whilst standing (e.g. because the user can simply kick the lever to cause the contact member to be moved onto the cam path).BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of a support for items.Fig. 2 is another perspective exploded view of the support of Fig. 1.Figs. 3A to 3E are different views of the support of Fig. 1 in the wheel down position.Figs. 4A to 4C and Figs. 4D to 4F are, respectively, partially exploded views and side view of the support of Fig. 1 in three different arrangements - with the wheel down and foot up, with the wheel down and foot down, and with the wheel up and foot down.Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of a support for items.Fig. 6 is another perspective exploded view of the support of Fig. 5.Figs. 7A to 7D are assembled (unexploded) views of the support of Fig. 5 in the wheel up position.Figs. 8A to 8C and Figs. 8D to 8F are, respectively, partially exploded views and side view of the support of Fig. 5 in three different arrangements - with the wheel up and foot down, with the wheel down and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up.Fig. 9 is a perspective exploded view of a third embodiment of a support for items.Fig. 10 is another perspective exploded view of the support of Fig. 9.Figs. 11A to 11D are assembled (unexploded) views of the support of Fig. 9 in the wheel up position.Figs. 12A to 12C and Figs. 12D to 12F are, respectively, partially exploded views and side view of the support of Fig. 9 in three different arrangements - with the wheel up and foot down, with the wheel down and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up.Figs. 13A to 13D are different views of a variation of the support of Fig. 9 in the wheel up and foot deployed position in which the support comprises a collapsible foot.Figs. 14A to 14D are different views the support of Figs. 13A to 13D in the wheel down and foot collapsed position.Fig. 15 is a side view of a variation of the support of Fig. 9Figs. 16A to 16D are different views of a fourth embodiment of a support in a wheel down, foot up position.Figs. 17A to 17D are different views of the support of Figs. 16A to 16D mounted with artillery in a wheel down, foot up position.Figs. 18A and 18B are different views of the artillery mounted support of Figs. 17A to 17D.Figs. 19A to 19D are different views of the artillery mounted support of Figs. 17A to 17D in a wheel up, foot down position.Figs. 18A and 18B are different views of the artillery mounted support of Figs. 19A and 19B.Figs. 21A to 21C and Figs. 21D to 21F are, respectively, partially exploded views and side views of the support of the fourth embodiment in three different arrangements - with the wheel up and foot down, with the wheel down and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up.Figs. 22A and 22B are schematics illustrating the angle of the tangent point of an axle at different positions in a cam slot, according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 22A the angle of the tangent point is effectively 0° in the region of constant radius. In Fig. 22B the maximum angle of the follower bearing at the tangent point is 40° in the regions of changing radius.Figs. 23 A and 23B are schematics illustrating configurations of a cam block in which each cam slot comprises a portion of constant radius and a portion of changing radius, according to an embodiment of the invention.Figs. 24A to 24C are schematics illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of cam block.Figs. 25A to 25C are schematics illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of cam block.Figs. 26A to 26C are schematics illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of cam block.Figs. 27A to 27C are schematics illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of cam block.Figs. 28A to 28C are schematics illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of cam block.Fig. 29 are different views of a plane fitted with the support according to an embodiment of the invention.Figs. 30A and 30B are perspective views of a shipping container fitted with the support according to an embodiment of the invention in the wheel down, foot up and the wheel up, foot down positions respectively.Figs. 31A and 31B are perspective views of a scaffold fitted with the support according to an embodiment of the invention in the wheel down, foot up and the wheel up, foot down positions respectively.Figs. 32A and 32B are close-up perspective views of the support of Figs. 31A and 3 IB.Fig. 33 is a schematic illustrating the constant height of the scaffold as the wheel and foot of the support of Figs. 31 A and 3 IB are moved.Fig. 34 is a plan view of the scaffold of Figs. 31 A and 3 IB.Figs. 35A and 35B are end view and a side view of an embodiment in which a lever is used to control rotation of the cam block.Figs. 36A and 36B are partially exploded perspective views of an embodiment in which a lever is used to control rotation of the cam block.Fig. 37 is a perspective exploded view of a fifth embodiment of a support for items.Fig. 38 is another perspective exploded view of the support of Fig. 37.Figs. 39A, 39B and 39C is a schematic illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of a locking mechanism and a cam block in three different positions - with the wheel up and foot down, with the wheel down and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up respectively.Fig. 40 is a schematic illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of a cam block suitable for use with the support of Fig. 37.Fig. 41 is a schematic of the bearing hubs and the wheel shaft of the support of Fig. 37.Figs. 42A and 42B are perspective views of an embodiment of a locking mechanism for a cam block in two different positions - with the wheel up and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up respectively.Figs. 43 A and 43B are side views of the support of Fig. 37 in two different positions - with the wheel up and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up.Figs. 44A and 44B are views from a first end of the support of Fig. 37 in two different positions, and Figs. 44C and 44D are views from a second end of the support of Fig. 37 in two different positions.Figs. 45 A and 45B are front views of the support of Fig. 37 in two different positions and Figs. 45C and 45D are perspective views of the support of Fig. 37 in two different positions.Figs. 46A and 46B are perspective views of the inside of the locking mechanism of Figs. 45A and 45B.Figs. 47A and 47B are side views of the support of Fig. 37 in two different positions - with the wheel up and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up.Figs. 48A and 48B are perspective views of an embodiment of a swivel lock which can be used to lock rotation of the support in the wheel up and foot down position.Fig. 49 is a perspective exploded view of a sixth embodiment of a support for items.Fig. 50 is a schematic illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of a locking mechanism and a cam block of the support of Fig. 49 in three different positions - with the wheel up and foot down, with the wheel down and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up respectively.Fig. 51 is a schematic of an embodiment of a cam block suitable for use with the support of Fig. 49.Fig. 52 is an embodiment of a spring suitable for use in the locking mechanism of Fig. 42.Fig. 53 is a perspective exploded view of a seventh embodiment of a support for items.Fig. 54 is another perspective exploded view of the support of Fig. 53.Fig. 55 is a schematic illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of a locking mechanism and a cam block of the support of Fig. 53 in three different positions - with the wheel up and foot down, with the wheel down and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up respectively.Figs. 56A and 56B are perspective views of the support of Fig. 53 in a wheel up, foot down configuration and Fig. 56C is a perspective view of the support of Fig. 53 in a wheel down, foot up configuration.Fig. 57 is a perspective view of a variation of the support of Fig. 53 in a wheel down, foot down configuration comprising a double-sided lever.Fig. 58 is a perspective exploded view of an eighth embodiment of a support for items.Fig. 59 is another perspective exploded view of the support of Fig. 58.Fig. 60 is a schematic illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of a locking mechanism and a cam block of the support of Figs. 58 and 59 in three different positions - with the wheel up and foot down, with the wheel down and foot down, and with the wheel down and foot up respectively.Fig. 61 is a perspective exploded view of a ninth embodiment of a support for items.Fig. 62 is another perspective exploded view of the support of Fig. 61.Figs. 63A, 63B and 63C are schematics illustrating the configuration of the locking mechanism of the support of Fig. 61 in three different positions - with the wheel up and foot down, with the wheel down and the foot down, and with the wheel down and the foot up respectively.Figs. 64A and 64B are perspective views of the support of Fig. 61 in a wheel up and foot down and in a wheel down and foot up position respectively.Figs. 65A and 65B are side view of the support of Fig. 61 in a wheel up and foot down and in a wheel down and foot up position respectively.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description and in which like reference numerals are used to refer to like features. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0064] As noted above, the present invention is directed to a support apparatus for supporting items from a surface. For example, there is provided a support apparatus for supporting items comprising: a stand member and a wheel, whereby the support supports the item from the surface by the stand member or the wheel; a cam block couplable to the stand member and the wheel, comprising a wheel cam slot and a stand member cam slot; a wheel axle extending through the wheel cam slot, being moveable within said slot, and coupled to the wheel; anda stand member axle extending through the stand member cam slot, being moveable within said slot, and coupled to the stand member.

[0065] The wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot are configured so as to enable movement of the respective axles within the slots thereby causing movement of the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, movement of the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position such that the item is supported by either the stand member or the wheel so that the apparatus is selectively able to prohibit movement of the apparatus and item supported thereon or to allow the supported item to be wheeled from one location to another. For example, the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot may be oppositely configured to as to enable complementary movement of the respective axles within the slots. The simultaneous movement of the wheel and the stand member may advantageously minimise jarring of the item being supported. This is especially useful if the item is sensitive to movement, such as a scientific instrumentation or the like. In addition, this support for items can be used to easily move items from location to location, and to be able to selectively arrest the wheels from movement, and thereby stably hold the supported item in a desired location when required and / or locking it in a desired or predetermined position. In this regard, the support for items can be fitted with a locking mechanism which prevents accidental movement of the wheel (or stand member) between the lowered (or raised) position and the raised (or lowered) position. Of further advantage is that the support can be configured such that the wheels can be removed therefrom when the item is being supported by the stand member. This can minimise the risk of the support being moved and / or stolen.

[0066] Said movement of the wheel and said movement of the stand member can be oppositely directed such that the item is supported at the surface by either the stand member or the wheel and the height of the item from the surface remains substantially constant. In this regard, there can be an equal correspondence between said movement of the wheel and said movement of the stand member. This advantageously avoids vertical movement of the item as the wheel and stand member are being moved. This is especially useful if the item needs to be maintained at a certain height in order to function, such as a scientific instrument or scaffolding. As another example, this may be useful when the item is supported by a plurality of wheels, for example scaffolding at construction sites. As the wheel and stand member of each support are individually moved between the lowered and raised positions, the scaffoldingis maintained at a constant height. This reduces the risk of items placed on the scaffolding (e.g. tools, etc.) being displaced. Furthermore, by supporting the item by either the stand member or the wheel such that the height of the item remains substantially constant, the force required to transition the support between a configuration in which the item is supported by the wheel and a configuration in which the item is supported by the stand member may be reduced. This is because the load of the item is supported by the wheel, the stand member, or a combination of both at all times. This is advantageous in applications in which the item being supported has a heavy load, for example, a shipping container, an airplane, etc.

[0067] Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for supporting items having a stand member and a wheel, wherein the item is supported from a surface at a height by either the stand member or the wheel, the support comprising a cam block couplable to the stand member and the wheel, comprising a wheel cam slot and a stand member cam slot, and the apparatus configured to move the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, to move the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein the apparatus is further configured such that the item is supported at the surface by either the stand member or the wheel and, as the wheel and the stand member are moved, the height of the item remains substantially constant.

[0068] Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for supporting items having a stand member and a wheel, wherein the item is supported from a surface at a height by either the stand member or the wheel, the support comprising a cam block couplable to the stand member and the wheel, comprising a wheel cam slot and a stand member cam slot, and the apparatus configured to move the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, to move the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position, such that the item is supported by either the stand member or the wheel so that the apparatus is selectively able to prohibit movement of the apparatus, and item supported thereon i.e. locking the apparatus in a desired or predetermined position or to allow the supported item to be wheeled from one location to another.

[0069] It will be appreciated that the surface that the support supports the item from can comprise any surface and is not limited to any specific surface. The surface can comprise ground located in an outside environment. For example, the ground can comprise different terrains such as rocky, soil, grass, paved, concreted, etc. Alternatively, the surface cancomprise a surface located in an inside environment. For example, the surface can comprise different surfaces such as tiled, carpeted, concreted, etc.

[0070] It should be understood that references to a “support” as used herein are to be given the meaning of a “support apparatus”.

[0071] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate exploded perspective views of an embodiment of a support according to the present disclosure. The support 100 comprises a stand member 102 and two wheels 104a, 104b. The two wheels 104a, 104b are identical. The support is configured such that the stand member 102 and / or the two wheels 104a, 104b support an item from a surface at a constant height. In this regard, in the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, the stand member 102 comprises a foot 108 and a singular leg member 110. The leg member 110 is substantially vertical. The foot 108 is attached to a lower end of the leg member 110. Typically, the foot 108 is substantially flat so as to provide stability to the support when the stand member 102 is in the lowered position such that the item is supported by the foot 108 of the stand member 102. In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, the foot 108 has a rectangular profile.However, it will be appreciated that the foot may have other profiles. For example, the profile of the foot may comprise a circle, a square, a triangle, a pentagon, etc. The two wheels 104a, 104b are arranged on either side of the leg member 110, as best seen in Fig. 3C. The leg member 110 comprises slots which enables the stand member 102 to be coupled within the support 100 via axles 118, 120, 122.

[0072] The support 100 further comprises a mounting portion 106 onto which an item can be mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion 106 comprises two downwardly directed flange portions. Each flange portion comprises slots which enables the mounting portion 106 to be coupled to the stand member 102 and the wheels 104a, 104b via axles 118, 120, 122.

[0073] The support 100 comprises two cam blocks 112a, 112b. Each cam block is arranged on an opposite side of the leg member 110 of the stand member 102 and each wheel 104 is coupled to an outer side of a respective cam block 104. The cam blocks 112a, 112b are identical and are each couplable to one of the wheels 104a, 104b. Both cam blocks 112a, 112b are also couplable to the stand member 102 and the mounting portion 106.

[0074] In this regard, each cam block 112a, 112b comprises a wheel cam slot 114 and a stand member cam slot 116. A wheel axle 118 extends through the wheel cam slot 114 of each camblock 112a, 112b. The ends of the wheel axle 118 are coupled to a respective wheel 104a, 104b, thereby coupling the cam blocks 112 to the wheels 104. The wheel axle 118 also extends through the slots provided in the leg member 110 of the stand member 102 and the mounting portion 106. A stand member axle 120 extends through the stand member cam slot 116 of each cam block 112a, 112b. The stand member axle 120 also extends through a slot provided in the leg member 110 of the stand member 102, so as to enable the stand member 102 to be coupled to the cam blocks 112. The stand member axle 120 also extends through a slot provided in the mounting portion 106. It will thus be appreciated that the wheels 104, cam blocks 112, stand member 102, and mounting portion 106 are coupled via the wheel axle 118 and the stand member axle 120.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 100 further comprises a cam block axle 122 which is configured to extend through slots 124 provided in the cam blocks 112. Typically, the slots 124 are located at a pivot point of the cam blocks 112. The cam block axle 122 further extends through slots provided in the leg member 110 and the mounting portion 106. Respective ends of the cam block axle 122 are coupled to a respective one of the cam blocks 112a, 112b. The cam block axle 122 provides additional support to the cam blocks 112a, 112b as the cam blocks 112 rotate around the pivot point. In addition, the cam block axle 122 can help to ensure that the support remains substantially vertically aligned as the cam blocks 112 are rotated. Without being bound by theory, it is thought that, if the axle 122 were not present, the cam blocks could skew around and jam the axles 118, 120 within the respective cam slots when a load is applied. Axle 122, being a third point of rotational constraint, prevents this from occurring. The three vertically aligned points of constraint offered by the various slots and holes, ensures that a downward load, when applied through the bearings, prevents migration away from a vertical alignment.

[0076] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the support 100 further comprises one or more fasteners (e.g. bolts) which act to securely couple said components. The support 100 also comprises a series of cam bearings and followers located on each axle and adjacent the cam slots in such a way that movement of the respective axle through the respective slot of the cam blocks is enabled. In the context of this specification, it should be understood that the term “follower” refers to a follower bearing mounted on the axle and designed to enable movement of the axle through the cam slot. As the axle moves through the cam slots, the follower follows the shape and configuration of the cam slots, enabling the axle to move fromone end of the cam slot to the other end of the cam slot. In this regard, each axle has an associated follower.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 100 also comprises a handle portion 126 coupled to the cam blocks 112a, 12b via fasteners 128a, 128b. Rotation of the handle portion 126 causes rotation of the cam blocks 112a, 112b. In turn, this causes the movement of the wheel axle and the stand member axle within the respective cam slots, causing movement of the wheels 104a, 104b and the stand member 102 between the raised and the lowered positions.

[0078] Figs. 3A to 3E show the support 100 from different perspectives when the support 100 is assembled. As can be most clearly seen from these Figs., when assembled, the leg member 110 of the support 102 is arranged between the two cam blocks 112. Also, each wheel 104 is coupled to an outer side of a respective cam block 112. The flange portions of the mounting portion 106 are arranged between the cam block 112 and the wheel 104.

[0079] The wheel cam slot 114 is configured to allow movement of the wheel axle 118 within the wheel cam slot 114. Movement of the wheel axle 118 within the wheel cam slot 114 causes the wheels 104 to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position.Similarly, the stand member cam slot 116 is configured to allow movement of the stand member axle 120 within the stand member cam slot 116. Movement of the stand member axle 120 within the stand member cam slot 116 causes the stand member 102 to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The stand member cam slot 116 and the wheel cam slot 114 are configured such that, as the wheels 104 are moved from the raised position to the lowered position, the stand member 102 is moved from the lowered position to the raised position. That is, the movement of the wheels 104 and the stand member 102 are oppositely directed. Additionally, the wheel cam slot 114 and stand member cam slot 116 are advantageously configured such that the height of the item from the surface remains substantially constant as the wheels 104 and the stand member 102 are moved.

[0080] In this regard, the slots in the mounting portion 106 through which the axles 118, 120, 122 extend are sized such that movement of the wheel axle 118 and / or movement of the stand member axle 120 and / or movement of the cam block axle 122 do not cause movement of the mounting portion 106. This enables the mounting portion 106 to remain at a substantiallyconstant height. The slots in the leg member 110 through which the wheel axle 118 and the cam block axle 122 extend are sized such that movement of the wheel axle 118 and the cam block axle 122 do not cause movement of the leg member 110.

[0081] The wheel cam slot 114 and the stand member cam slot 116 are configured such that rotation of the cam blocks 112 causes movement of the wheel axle 118 and the stand member axle 120 within the respective slots 114, 116. As the axles 118, 120 are caused to move within the respective slots 114, 116, the wheels 104 and the stand member 102 are caused to move between the raised and lowered positions.

[0082] Figs. 4A to 4F are views of the support of Fig. 1 in which the cam blocks 112 are rotated in different positions, such that the wheel axle 118 and the stand member axle 120 are at different locations within the respective slots 114, 116. Figs. 4A and 4D show the axles 118, 120 at a first end of the respective slots 114, 116 whereby the stand member 102 is in the raised position and the wheels 104 are in the lowered position. Figs. 4B and 4E show the axles 118, 120 at a middle part of the respective slots 114, 116 whereby both the stand member 102 and the wheels 104 are in the lowered position. Figs. 4C and 4F show the axles 118, 120 at a second end of the respective slots 114, 116 whereby the stand member 102 is in the lowered position and the wheels 104 are in the raised position.

[0083] In this regard, the slots 114, 116 can be advantageously configured such that as the axles 118, 120 are caused to move within the respective slots 114, 116, there is a position of the axles 118, 120 at which both the wheels 104 and the stand member 102 are in the lowered position. Advantageously, this enables the height of the mounting portion 106 (and thus the item supported by the support 100) to remain substantially constant. Of further advantage is that, when the wheels 104 and the stand member 102 are both in the lowered position, the support 100 can offer increased stability.

[0084] The configuration of the cam slots 114, 116 in the cam block 112 is best seen in Figs. 24A to 24C. The design of the cam slots 114, 116 is described in further detail below.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the support 100 comprises two cam blocks and two wheels, other arrangements are possible. For example, the support 100 may alternatively comprise only a single cam block and / or only a single wheel.

[0086] Figs. 5 and 6 provide perspective exploded views of a support 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The support 200 is similar to the support 100 in that it comprises a stand member 202, a wheel 204, and a cam block 212. The cam block 212 comprises a stand member cam slot 216 and a wheel cam slot 214. The stand member cam slot 216 and the wheel cam slot 214 are coupled to the stand member axle 220 and wheel axle 218 respectively via cam bearings. A cam block axle 222 is also provided which couples the cam block 214 to the support. The location of the cam block axle 222 on the cam block 212 coincides with the pivot point thereof.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 200 comprises a single wheel 204 and a single cam block 212 and the stand member 202 comprises two leg members 210. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the support 200 can instead comprise two wheels and / or two cam blocks, as in the embodiment of support 100. For example, the support can comprise a single cam block and two wheels, with the single cam block located between the two leg members and the two wheels located outside the two leg members.

[0088] The two leg members 210 are spaced apart to receive the wheel 204 therebetween, as can be more clearly seen in Figs. 7B and 7D. Each of the leg members 210 is coupled to a respective flange portion of the mounting portion 206. Figs. 7A to 7D show the support 200 from different perspectives when the support 200 is assembled.

[0089] To enable movement of the wheel 204 between a raised position and a lowered position, the foot 208 of the stand member 202 comprises an aperture 209. The aperture 209 is located between the leg members 210. The wheel 204 is receivable through the aperture 209 so as to contact the surface, as the wheel 204 is moved from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0090] In the support 200, the handle 226 is connected to a handle support 232 which is couplable to the cam block 212, stand member 202 and wheel 204 via the axles 218, 220, 222. Rotation of the handle 226 causes the cam block 212 to rotate. In turn, this causes the wheel 204 and the stand member 202 to be moved between the raised and the lowered positions.

[0091] The wheel 204 and the cam block 212 are further coupled to an intermediary portion 230 which comprises a series of bearings and hubs. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the intermediary portion 230 comprises a main hub 234, and a roller bearing andcage 238 with bearing retainer rings 236, 240 on either side thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements of bearings and retainer rings are possible.

[0092] As above, the cam slots 214, 216 are configured to allow movement of the respective axles 218, 220 therewithin. Movement of the axles 218, 220 within the respective cam slots 214, 216 causes the wheel 204 and the support member 202 respectively to be moved between raised and lowered positions. The cam slots 214, 216 are configured such that, as the wheel 204 is moved between the raised position and the lowered position, the support member 202 is simultaneously moved between the lowered position and the raised position. The cam slots 214, 216 are further configured such that, as the wheel 204 and support member 202 are moved between the respective positions, the height of the mounting portion 206 remains constant. As a result, the height of the item being supported by the support 200 remains constant. As above, the slots in the mounting portion 206 and the leg members 210 are configured to allow said movement.

[0093] As above, the wheel cam slot 214 and the stand member cam slot 216 are configured such that rotation of the cam block 212 causes movement of the wheel axle 218 and the stand member axle 220 within the respective slots 214, 216.

[0094] Figs. 8A to 8F are views of the support of Fig. 5 in which the cam block 212 is rotated in different positions, such that the axles 218, 220 are at different locations within the respective slots 214, 216. Figs. 8A and 8D show the axles 218, 220 at a first end of the respective slots 214, 216 whereby the stand member 202 is in the lowered position and the wheel 204 is in the raised position. Figs. 8B and 8E show the axles 218, 220 at a middle part of the respective slots 214, 216 whereby both the stand member 202 and the wheel 204 are in the lowered position. Figs. 8C and 8F show the axles 218, 220 at a second end of the respective slots 214, 216 whereby the stand member 202 is in the raised position and the wheel 204 is in the lowered position.

[0095] In this regard, the slots 214, 216 can be advantageously configured such that as the axles 218, 220 are caused to move within the respective slots 214, 216, there is a position of the axles 218, 220 at which both the wheel 204 and the stand member 202 are in the lowered position. This enables the height of the mounting portion 206 (and thus the item supported by the support 200) to remain substantially constant. Of further advantage is that, when the wheel204 and the stand member 202 are both in the lowered position, the support 200 can offer increased stability.

[0096] Figs. 9 and 10 provide perspective exploded views of a support 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The support 300 is similar to the support 200 and therefore will not be described in detail. The only significant difference between the support 300 and the support 200 is the configuration of the intermediary portion 330 in the support 300. In particular, the intermediary portion 330 of the support 300 comprises a main hub 338 with a hub end 336. The main hub 338 and the hub end 336 are configured to allow the cam block 312 to be housed within the main hub 338. In this regard, the main hub 338 and the hub end 336 each comprise a series of apertures through which the axles 318, 322 and 320 extend. The apertures are configured such that the main hub 338 and the hub end 336 are caused to move between a raised position and a lowered position as the wheel 304 is caused to move therebetween. That is, the movement of the main hub 338 and the hub end 336 is coupled to the movement of the wheel 304. The apertures are further configured such that the main hub 338 and the hub end 336 are not caused to move as the stand member 302 is caused to move between the raised position and the lowered position. In this regard, the aperture through which the stand member axle 320 extends is elongate so as to accommodate the vertical movement of the stand member axle 320. To facilitate rotation of the wheel 304, the main hub 338 and the hub end 336 each comprise roller or ball bearings 344.

[0097] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the intermediary portion 330 can comprise different arrangements of components.

[0098] Again, although the illustrated embodiment of the support 300 comprises a single wheel and single cam block, it will be appreciated that the support 300 can comprise two wheels and / or two cam blocks.

[0099] Figs. 13 and 14 show a variation of the support 200, 300 in which the foot 208, 308 of the stand member is configurable between a stabilising configuration and a storage configuration. In one illustrated example, the stabilising configuration has a greater surfacearea and a storage configuration that has a lesser surface area. Figs. 13 A to 13D are different views of the support 200, 300 when the foot 208, 308 is in a stabilising configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot 208, 308 has a circular profile. It will be appreciated that the size and the shape of the foot 208, 308 can be adjusted based on the stabilisation required. For instance, a foot of greater surface area may provide more stability compared to a foot with a smaller surface area. Thus, in embodiments in which greater stability is required, the size of the foot 208, 308 can be increased.

[0100] The foot 208, 308 of the illustrated embodiment can be folded into a storage configuration, as seen in Figs. 14A to 14D. In the storage configuration, the foot 208, 308 has a lesser surface area. In this embodiment, in the storage configuration, the foot 208, 308 is folded. In this regard, this configuration of the foot 208, 308 in the storage configuration can make moving the support 200, 300 easier. For example, because a width of the support 200, 300 is reduced compared to when the foot 208, 308 is in the stabilising configuration. Those skilled in the art will understand how to configure the foot 208, 308 such that it is foldable or otherwise configurable between the stabilising configuration and the storage configuration.

[0101] In alternative embodiments, the foot 208, 308 can be altogether removable from the leg member of the stand member 210, 310. This enables removal of the foot 208, 308 when the stand member 210, 310 is in the raised position, thereby allowing easier movement of the support 200, 300.

[0102] Fig. 15 shows another variation of the support 200, 300 in which the handle of the cam block is replaced by a motor 227, 327. In this variation, the motor is configured to cause rotation of the cam block when the motor is on, so as to cause movement of the wheel axle and the stand member axle within the respective cam slots. The support may alternatively or additionally comprise a motor configured to cause movement of the wheel when the wheel is in the lowered position.

[0103] In the previous embodiments, the cam block is typically configured such that a vertical distance between the raised position and the lowered position of the wheel is the same as a vertical distance between the raised position and the lowered position of the stand member. However, it is thought that in some applications it can be advantageous if the vertical distance between the raised position and the lowered position of the wheel is different than a verticaldistance between the raised position and the lowered position of the stand member. For example, if the vertical distance between the raised position and the lowered position of the stand member is greater, the stand member will be further from the surface when in the raised position. This advantageously provides more clearance between the surface and the stand member when the support is being moved.

[0104] Figs. 16 to 21 show different views of an embodiment of a support 400 in which the vertical distance between the raised position and lowered position of the stand member is greater than the vertical distance between the raised position and the lowered position of the wheel.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 16A, the support 400 comprises two wheels 404a, 404b and a single cam block 412. The cam block 412 is located between the leg members 410 of the stand member 402. The wheels 404a, 404b are located on the outside of the leg members 410 of the stand member 402.

[0106] The stand member 402 comprises a foot 408. As can be more clearly seen from Fig. 16C, the foot 408 comprises two apertures 409. The apertures 409 are located on either side of the leg members 410. The wheels 404a, 404b are receivable through a respective aperture 409 so as to contact the surface, as the wheels 404a, 404b are moved from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0107] Figs. 21A to 21F are views of the support of Figs. 16 to 20 in which the cam block 412 is rotated in different positions, such that the wheel axle and the stand member axle are at different locations within the respective slots in the cam block. Figs. 21 A and 2 ID show the axles at a first end of the respective slots whereby the stand member is in the raised position and the wheels are in the lowered position. Figs. 2 IB and 2 IE show the axles at a middle part of the respective slots whereby both the stand member and the wheels are in the lowered position. Figs. 21C and 2 IF show the axles at a second end of the respective slots whereby the stand member is in the lowered position and the wheels are in the raised position. As can be seen from Figs. 21 A to 2 IF, the vertical distance between the raised and lowered positions of the stand member is greater than the vertical distance between the raised and lowered positions of the wheels. In the illustrated embodiment, said vertical distance of the stand member is 50 mm, whilst said vertical distance of the wheels is 15 mm. However, it will be appreciated that these vertical distances can be different.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the item being supported by the support 400 comprises artillery. Advantageously, by having a greater height of the stand member in the raised position, greater clearance is provided between the surface and the stand member. This can enable the support 400 to be more easily moved over rough terrain. Of further advantage is that, because the height of the artillery remains constant as the wheels and the stand member is moved, the support 400 provides additional stability to the artillery.

[0109] Figs. 37 and 38 provide perspective exploded views of a support 1500 according to another embodiment of the invention. The support 1500 is most similar to the support 300. One difference between the support 1500 and the support 300 is that the foot 1508 of the support 1500 comprises a circular profile. It is thought that, in some variations, a circular profile foot can enhance the stability of the support. However, a rectangular profile foot may provide for better manoeuvrability when the support is in a configuration in which the stand member is raised and the wheel is lowered (i.e., when the support is configured to allow movement of the item being supported by the support). It is thought that, by aligning the area of the centroid foot directly under the pivot point, the stability of the support may be further enhanced.

[0110] Another difference between the support 1500 and the support 300 is the configuration of the intermediary portion 1530 in the support 1500. In particular, in the support 1500, the intermediary portion 1530 comprises two bearing hubs 1533 located on either side of the cam block 1512. The two bearing hubs 1533 each comprise three apertures through which the cam block axle 1522, the stand member axle 1520 and the wheel axle 1518 extend (either directly or via the respective cam bearings).

[0111] The configuration of the bearing hubs 1533 with the apertures and the wheel axle 1518 can also be seen in Fig. 41. The configuration of the three apertures is such that, as the wheel 1504 is caused to move between the raised position and the lowered position (i.e. due to the movement of the wheel follower and wheel axle through the wheel cam slot), the bearing hubs 1533 are caused to move with the wheel between a raised position and a lowered position. That is, the vertical movement of the bearing hubs 1533 is coupled to the vertical movement of the wheel 1504. However, a vertical movement of the stand member 1506 (i.e. due to the movement of the stand member follower and stand member axle through the standmember cam slot) between the raised position and the lowered position does not a cause vertical movement of the bearing hubs 1533. In this regard, the aperture through which the stand member axle 1520 extends is elongate (i.e. to accommodate the vertical movement of the stand member axle 1520 without causing vertical movement of the bearing hub 1533).

[0112] It is noted that placing the three axles 1522, 1520, 1518 through each of the two bearing hubs 1533 can enable the bearing hub 1533 to remain in place in use of the support 1500. Without being bound by theory, it is thought that, in particular, the coupling between the bearing hubs 1533 and the wheel axle 1518 is such that the cam block may be prevented from skewing and jamming the axles 1518, 1520, 1522 within the respective cam slots when load is applied. The support 1500 comprises a turning nut 1708. The turning nut 1708 is connected to the cam block axle and acts to hold the components of the support 1500 together. The turning nut 1708 can prevent the cam block 1512, the bearing hubs 1533, and other components from sliding off the respective axles.

[0113] The two bearing hubs 1533 each comprise ball or roller bearings 1534 located around a circumference thereof (i.e. to enable the rotational movement of the wheel 1504). The configuration and operation of the ball or roller bearings 1534 will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0114] It will thus be again appreciated by the skilled person that the intermediary portion 1530 can comprise different arrangements of components.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 37, the support 1500 comprises a locking mechanism 1700. As will be described in further detail below, the locking mechanism 1700 can lock the support 1500 to prevent accidental rotation of the cam block. The locking mechanism 1700 is an optional feature which can be included, for example, to minimise the risk of the support being moved between the wheel down / wheel up positions without intervention. It is noted that the locking mechanism 1700 may be employed with any of the other embodiments of the support 1500 disclosed herein.

[0116] To provide further support for the locking mechanism 1700, the support 1500 comprises two saddle arms 1535. The saddle arms 1535 are located on either side of the leg members 1510. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 37, the locking mechanism 1700 is connected to one of the saddle arms 1535, such that the locking mechanism 1700 is located on an outside of the support 1500. This can be more clearly seen in Figs. 45C and 45D whichprovide perspective views of the support 1500. However, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism 1700 is placed between one of the leg members 1510 and the wheel 1504.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 37, the support 1500 further comprises a swivel locking mechanism 1800. As will be described in further detail below, the swivel locking mechanism 1800 can be used to stop the support 1506 from rotating in a wheel up position.

[0118] It is thought that, in certain variations, such as in the support 1600 shown in Fig. 49, the intermediary portion 1630 can comprise one or more (additional) tie bars 1621. These additional tie bars 1621 are connected to the first bearing plate 1633a at one end and to the second bearing plate 1633b at the other end. Because these additional tie bars 1621 are directly connected to each of the bearing plates 1633, they can provide additional support to the structure which can further help to prevent jamming or skewing of the axles 1518, 1520, 1522 within the respective cam slots when load is applied. In particular, the tie bars 1621 provide a lateral force which can act to maintain the bearing plates 1633 in alignment.

[0119] The additional tie bars 1621 also extend through the cam block 1612 (i.e., because the bearing plates 1633 are located on either side of the cam block 1612). Accordingly, the cam block 1612 must comprise additional apertures. This is to ensure that the tie bars 1621 do not interfere with the rotation of the cam block in use. The requirement for additional apertures can result in manufacturing complexities.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 49, the support 1600 comprises two additional tie bars 1621. It will be appreciated that the support 1600 can comprise any number of additional tie bars 1621. However, the number and configuration of the tie bars 1621 should not interfere with the operation of the axles.

[0121] Without being bound by theory, it is thought that the support 1500 (i.e., in which there are no additional tie bars) may be advantageous in certain applications compared to the support 1600 (i.e., which comprises one or more additional tie bars). It is thought that the construction of the support 1500 may be less complex and cheaper, since less components are required. Furthermore, the support 1500 may be lighter weight compared to the support 1600 (i.e., because the support 1500 has less additional components).Operation of Support

[0122] As discussed above, each of the supports 100, 200, 300, 400 are configured such that an item is supported from a surface at a height by the stand member or the wheel(s). When the item is supported by the wheel(s), the support may be moveable, i.e. by rotation of the wheel(s) along the surface. When the item is supported by the stand member, the wheel(s) may be unable to rotate along the surface and is effectively locked in position. As a result, the support remains stationary. Advantageously the support apparatus can be selectively locked into position by prohibiting movement of the wheels or can be used to wheel the supported item from one location to another by allowing the wheels to rotate freely.

[0123] The wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot are configured so as to enable movement of the respective axles within the slots thereby causing movement of the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, movement of the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position. Said movement of the wheel and said movement of the stand member are oppositely directed such that the item is supported at the surface by either the stand member or the wheel and the height of the item from the surface remains substantially constant. In this regard, there is an equal correspondence between said movement of the wheel and said movement of the stand member (i.e. such that the height of the item from the surface remains substantially constant). This may be of particular advantage in applications where it is desirable to maintain a height from the surface of an item being supported by the support. For example, when the item comprises a scientific instrument that is set up to operate at a particular height, ensuring the height of the instrument is maintained can minimise the risk of needing to adjust the instrument.

[0124] Movement of the respective axles within the slots is caused by the rotation of the cam block(s). This rotation can be either manual, such as by moving a handle connected to the cam block(s), or automatic, such as by turning on a motor configured to rotate the cam block(s). As the cam block(s) rotate, the shape of the slots causes the vertical height of the respective axles to either remain substantially constant or to be moved up and down.

[0125] Figs. 22 to 28 are schematics of different cam block configurations. Referring first to Figs. 22A and 22B, a cam block 500 with only a single cam slot 502 is shown for illustrative purposes. The cam slot 502 comprises a first end 514 and a second end 516. It will beappreciated that, in reality, each cam block will comprise two such cam slots, i.e. one for the stand member axle and another for the wheel(s) axle.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the cam block 500 is circular and comprises a pivot point 507 about which it rotates. In this embodiment, the pivot point 507 coincides with the centre of the circular cam block 500. However, it will be appreciated that the pivot point can be located at a point other than the centre of the cam block. For example, in other embodiments, the pivot point may not necessarily coincide with the centre of a circular cam block. That is, in such embodiments, the pivot point may be offset relative to the centre of the cam block.

[0127] The follower 504 of the respective axle is mounted to the cam slot 502 of the cam block 500. The “follower” refers to a follower bearing mounted on the respective axle. The follower is designed to enable movement of the respective axle through the respective cam slot. As the respective axle moves through the respective cam slot, the follower follows the shape and configuration of the respective cam slot, thereby enabling the respective axle between ends of the respective cam slots. That is, the follower assists the movement of the respective axle through the respective cam slot. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other mechanisms besides a follower may be employed in this regard to assist the movement of the respective axle.

[0128] As the cam block 500 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow 506 about the pivot point 507, the position of the follower 504 within the cam slot 502 changes. As can be seen by comparing Fig. 22A and Fig. 22B, the follower 504 (and thus the respective axle) is caused to be moved vertically as the cam block 500 rotates. Notably, the follower 504 only experiences a vertical displacement. That is, the follower 504 does not move horizontally. As a result, the support does not experience a horizontal displacement.

[0129] The cam slot 502 comprises two portions, indicated by the dotted lines in Figs. 22A and 22B respectively. The first portion 508 comprises a constant radius portion in which, as the follower 504 moves within the cam slot 502, a distance between the follower 504 and the pivot point 507 remains constant. As a result, as the follower 504 is caused to move within this first portion 508, the height of the respective axle relative to the surface remains constant. It should be understood that the “constant radius” refers to a portion of the cam slot oriented in the direction in which the axle moves along the slot. That is, the constant radius portioncomprises a portion of the cam slot which is longitudinally arranged across the face of the cam block. For example, section 508 is the constant radius portion of Fig. 22A.

[0130] The second portion 510 comprises a changing radius portion in which, as the follower 504 moves within the cam slot 504, a distance between the follower 504 and the pivot point 507 changes. As a result, as the follower 504 is caused to move within this second portion 510, the height of the respective axle with respect to the surface changes. In this particular example, the distance between the follower 504 and the pivot point 507 decreases as the cam block is rotated in the direction 506. As a result, the respective axle is caused to move in an upwards direction. It should be understood that the “changing radius” refers to a portion of the cam slot oriented in the direction in which the axle moves along the slot. That is, the changing radius portion comprises a portion of the cam slot which is longitudinally arranged across the face of the cam block. For example, section 510 is the changing radius portion of Fig. 22B.

[0131] The follower 504 (and respective axle) experiences a force in the form of torque within the cam slot 502. This can cause unwanted movement of the follower 504 within the cam slot 502 which, in turn, can cause unwanted movement of the stand member and / or wheel(s). In particular, the follower 504 experiences a torque force when the follower 504 is located in the changing radius portion of the cam slot. The magnitude of this force is proportional to the angle between the vertical line and a radius from the follower 504 (or axle) that touches the slot at a 90° angle to the slot, i.e. the tangent angle. An example of a tangent angle 512 is indicated in Fig. 22B.

[0132] It has been found that when the tangent angle is 0° (such as in Fig. 22A), no torque is exerted on the follower 504. However, when the tangent angle is greater than 0° (such as in Fig. 22B), a torque is exerted on the follower 504. As will be appreciated, the torque force occurs because when there is a non-zero tangent angle, the follower 504 experiences a downwards force, i.e. due to gravity. The effect is that the follower 504 can have a tendency to rotate within the cam slot 502 toward a position in which there is a 0° tangent angle. In this regard, it can be advantageous to configure the ends 514, 516 of the cam slot 502 such that the tangent angle is 0°. This minimises the risk of unwanted movement of the follower 504 (and axle) within the cam slot 502. Alternatively or additionally, the ends 514, 516 of the cam slot 504 can be provided with an additional portion which is configured as a rest stop.

[0133] It will be appreciated that, owing to the force experience by the follower 504, a certain force must also be exerted to rotate the cam block 500 so as to cause the follower 504 to move within the cam slot 502. Again, the magnitude of this force is proportional to the tangent angle. The force is also related to the amount of friction between the follower 504 and the sides of the cam slot 502. In particular, the force applied must be sufficient to overcome the torque and the frictional force. Thus, it will be appreciated that the material of construction of the cam block (including the slots), the followers and the axles can affect the force required to rotate the cam block 500 as it affects the friction.

[0134] At a tangent angle of 0°, the force required to rotate the cam block 500 is minimised. As the tangent angle increases, the force required to rotate the cam block 500 likewise increases. Without being bound by theory, the applicant considers that when the follower 504 and the cam block 500 are comprised of plastic, the amount of force required to rotate the cam block 500 is too great when the tangent angle is greater than 40°. The applicant has found that a tangent angle of about 60° may also be used. This is because of the friction between the follower 504 and the cam block 500. It is thought that when the materials are selected such that the friction is reduced, greater tangent angles may be employed. The cam slots are typically configured to enable the respective followers / axles to move smoothly within the respective slots. For example, the curvature of the slots can be selected such that friction between the axles and the respective slots is minimal, enabling smooth movement of the respective axle. As another example, a width of the slots can be selected such that friction between the axles and the respective slots is minimal.

[0135] Referring now to Figs. 23A and 23B, a cam block 600 with a stand member cam slot 602 and a wheel cam slot 604 is shown. The stand member cam slot 602 and the wheel cam slot 604 are located on opposite sides of a pivot point 607. The pivot point 607 coincides with the centre of the circular cam block 600. As above, the cam block axle extends through this pivot point 607.

[0136] Each of the cam slots 602, 604 has a first end 606, 608 and a second end 610, 612. Each of the first end 606, 608 and the second end 610, 612 are configured such that, when the respective follower is located at an end of the respective cam slot, the tangent angle is 0°. In other embodiments, each of the first end 606, 608 and the second end 610, 612 are configured to comprise a rest stop thereat.

[0137] In Fig. 23 A, the cam block is positioned in an orientation in which the wheel is in the lowered position and the stand member is in the raised position. As the cam block is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 614, the wheel follower 616 and the stand member follower 618 move within the respective cam slots 604, 602. The movement of the wheel follower 616 through the cam slot 604 causes the wheel to move upwards in a vertical direction to the position indicated in Fig. 23B. This occurs because the cam slot 604 comprises a portion of changing radius in which the distance between the cam slot 604 and the pivot point 607 decreases as the cam block is moved in the direction 614. As a result, the wheel follower 616 (and thus the wheel axle and the wheel) are caused to move vertically upwards. At the same time, the movement of the stand member follower 618 through the cam slot 602 causes the stand member to move downwards in a vertical direction to the position indicated in Fig. 23B. This occurs because the cam slot 602 comprises a portion of changing radius in which the distance between the cam slot 602 and the pivot point 607 decreases as the cam block is moved in the direction 614. As a result, the stand member follower 618 (and thus the stand member axle and the stand member) are caused to move vertically downwards. The arc length of the cam slots 602, 604 in the changing radius portions are configured such that, as the respective follower moves within the changing radius portion, the respective axle is caused to move from the lowered position to the raised position (or vice versa).

[0138] In Fig. 23B, the cam block is positioned in an orientation in which the wheel is in the raised position and the stand member is in the lowered position. As the cam block is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 620 (i.e. the opposite direction to the arrow 614), the movement of the followers 616, 618 through the respective cam slots 604, 602 causes the wheel to be lowered and the foot to be raised.

[0139] In this regard, and as can be more clearly seen in Fig. 28, each of the cam slots comprises a constant radius portion and a changing radius portion. As above, the “constant radius” refers to a portion of the cam slot oriented in the direction in which the axle moves along the slot, i.e. the constant radius portion comprises a portion of the cam slot which is longitudinally arranged across the face of the cam block. For example, section 508 is the constant radius portion of Fig. 22 A. As above, the “changing radius” refers to a portion of the cam slot oriented in the direction in which the axle moves along the slot, i.e. the changing radius portion comprises a portion of the cam slot which is longitudinally arranged across the face of the cam block. For example, section 510 is the changing radius portion of Fig. 22B.

[0140] In the embodiment of Fig. 28, the cam slots are configured such that one follower (and respective axle) locates within a constant radius portion while the other follower (and respective axle locates) within a changing radius portion. When an axle (via the follower) is located in the constant radius portion, the vertical height of the axle relative to the ground remains constant. Thus, the vertical height of the wheel(s) or stand member coupled to the axle remains constant. When an axle (via the follower) is located in the changing radius portion, the vertical height of the axle relative to the ground changes (i.e. the axle is either raised or lowered). Thus, the vertical height of the wheel(s) or stand member coupled to the axle changes, i.e. the wheel(s) or stand member is either raised or lowered.

[0141] It will be appreciated that because the cam slots are configured such that one axle locates within a constant radius portion while the other axle locates within a changing radius portion, the vertical height of one of the wheel(s) and stand member remains constant whilst the vertical height of the other of the wheel(s) and stand member changes.

[0142] In Fig. 28A, the cam block 600a is oriented such that the wheel follower 618 (and axle) and the stand member follower 616 (and axle) are each located at an end of the respective slots whereby the stand member is in the lowered position and the wheel is in the raised position. The cam block 600a comprises a first section A and a second section B. Each section A, B comprises an opposing sector within the cam block 600a which includes a changing radius portion of one of the cam slots 602, 604 and a constant radius portion of the other one of the cam slots 602, 604. For example, in the cam block 600a, the first section A comprises a changing radius portion of the wheel cam slot 604 and a constant radius portion of the stand member cam slot 602. The second section B comprises a constant radius portion of the wheel cam slot 604 and a changing radius portion of the stand member cam slot 602.

[0143] As the cam block is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 614 through the first section A, the wheel follower 616 (and wheel axle) locates within the changing radius portion of the wheel cam slot 604 in which the distance between the cam slot 604 and pivot point 607 of the cam block 600a decreases. As a result, the wheel is lowered. At the same time, the stand member follower 618 (and the stand member axle) locates within the constant radius portion of the stand member cam slot 602. As a result, the stand member remains in the lowered position. The arc length of section A is selected such that, when the wheel follower 618 is located at the junction between sections A and B, the wheel is in the lowered position. As above, the shape of the cam slots 602, 604 is restricted by the maximum tangent angle ofthe follower. In the illustrated embodiment, the central angle of the arc of section A is 30°. However, it will be appreciated that other central angles are possible. For example, the central angle of the arc may be between about 20° to about 110°.

[0144] In Fig. 28B, the cam block has been rotated such that the wheel follower 616 is located at the junction between sections A and B. Also, the stand member follower 618 is located at the junction between sections A and B. In this position, both the wheel and the stand member are in the lowered position. By lowering the wheel before raising the stand member, the support is able to support an item at a constant heigh above the surface.

[0145] As the cam block continues to be rotated in the direction 614, the slots are rotated through section B of the cam block 600a. The wheel follower 616 (and wheel axle) locates within the constant radius portion of the wheel cam slot 604. As a result, the wheel remains in the lowered position. At the same time, the stand member follower 618 (and the stand member axle) locates within the changing radius portion of the stand member cam slot 602 in which the distance between the cam slot 602 and the pivot point 607 increases. As a result, the stand member is raised. The arc length of section B is configured such that, when the stand member follower 618 reaches the second end of the cam slot 602, the stand member is in the raised position. In the illustrated embodiment, the central angle of the arc of section B is 30°. However, it will be appreciated that other central angles are possible. For example, the central angle of the arc may be between about 20° to about 110°.

[0146] Fig. 28C shows the cam block rotated to a position in which the wheel follower 616 (and axle) and stand member follower 618 (and axle) are located at a second end of the respective cam slots.

[0147] As can be seen by comparing Fig. 28A and 28C, the change in vertical height of the wheel follower 616 (and axle) as it locates within the changing radius portion of the wheel cam slot 604 is the same as the change in vertical height of the stand member follower 618 (and axle) as it locates within the changing radius portion of the stand member cam slot 602. As a result, the change in vertical height of the wheel as it moves between the raised position and the lowered position is the same as the change in vertical height of the stand member as it moves between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0148] In certain embodiments, such as those of Figs. 25 to 27, the cam block 700a, 700b, 700c further comprises an intermediate section C located between section A and section B. Inthis intermediate section C, both the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot comprise a constant radius portion in which the distance between the respective cam slot and the pivot point of the cam block remains constant as the respective follower (and axle) locates within the section C. In particular, the distance between the wheel cam slot and the pivot point in section C is the same as the distance between the wheel cam slot and the pivot point in section B. Similarly, the distance between the stand member cam slot and the pivot point in section C is the same as the distance between the stand member cam slot and the pivot point in section A. As the followers locate within the respective cam slots of section C, the height of both the stand member and the wheel remains constant. More specifically, as the followers locate within the respective cam slots of section C, both the stand member and the wheel remain in the lowered position. Advantageously, when both the stand member and the wheel are in the lowered position, the stability of the support may be enhanced. Also, by providing a section of the cam block in which both the wheel and the stand member are in the lowered position, the transition between the item being supported by the wheel to being supported by the stand member (and vice versa) may be smoother compared to prior art supports. Without being bound by theory, it is thought that these advantages may be realised by providing an arc length of at least about 4° in section C.

[0149] In Figs. 25 and 26, the changing radius portions of the cam slots are configured such that the vertical heights of the wheel and stand member as they respectively move between the raised and the lowered positions is the same. In contrast, in Fig. 27, the changing radius portions of the cam slots are configured such that the vertical distance moved by the wheel between the raised and lowered position is less than the vertical distance moved by the stand member between the raised and lowered position. In particular, the cam slots are configured such that the change in distance between the stand member cam slot and the pivot point in the changing radius portion of the stand member cam slot is greater than the change in distance between the wheel cam slot and the pivot point in the changing radius portion of the wheel cam slot. The cam block 700c of Fig. 27 may be particularly advantageously used, for example, in the support 400 of Figs. 16 to 21.

[0150] In certain embodiments the cam block comprises a profile other than a circle. For example, the cam block can comprise an ovular profile. As another example, the cam block can comprise an irregularly shaped profile. An example of a cam block comprising an irregularly shaped profile is given in Fig. 40. Such a cam block may be of use in theembodiment of the support 1500 describe above with reference to Fig. 37. Another example of a cam block comprising an irregularly shaped profile is given in Fig. 51. Such a cam block may be of use in the embodiment of the support 1600 describe above with reference to Fig. 49. As a further example, the profile of the cam block can also comprise a quadrant of a circle. Such a cam block may be of use in the embodiment of the support 100 described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0151] The configuration and design of a cam block 800 with a profile comprising a quadrant of a circle is shown in Fig. 24. The configuration of cam block 800 is, in general, the same as the configuration of cam blocks 700a, 700b, 700c described above. The primary difference is that, because cam block 800 comprises a quadrant of a circle, the wheel cam slot 802 and the stand member cam slot 704 are located on the same side of the pivot point 807. The pivot point 807 is located at a corner of the quadrant.

[0152] As above, an example of a cam block 1612 comprising an irregularly shaped profile is given in Fig. 51. Such a cam block may be of use in the embodiment of the support 1600 describe above with reference to Fig. 49. The cam block 1612 comprises a wheel cam slot 1604 and a stand member cam slot 1602. The cam slots 1604, 1602 are arranged around a pivot point 1607 through which the cam block axle 1622 extends. The cam block 1612 further comprises two additional slots 1605, 1607. These additional slots 1605, 1607 are required to accommodate the two tie bars 1621. The additional slots 1605, 1607 are configured so as to allow rotation of the cam block 1612 and to enable the tie bars 1621 to move vertically with the bearing hubs 1634.Different Applications

[0153] Figs. 29 to 34 show different applications in which the support 100, 200, 300, 400 may be of use. These non-limiting examples are exemplary only. The skilled person will appreciate that the support may also be of use in a wide variety of other applications.

[0154] For example, the support may be used on a vehicle (i.e., the support may be used to support a vehicle). The support can provide a way to prevent movement of the vehicle when the support is in a configuration in which the stand member is lowered and a wheel is raised. For example, in Fig. 29, the support is used to support an aeroplane 1000 configured for snow landings. Each set of wheels comprises a support. The aeroplane can be supported by the wheel(s) and / or the stand member of the support. The stand member of the support isadvantageously shaped so as to enable the aeroplane to land on snow, when the stand member is in the lowered position and the wheels are in the raised position. For example, the stand member of the support is shaped like a ski. In other embodiments, the support can be configured such that, when the aeroplane is parked at an airport, the stand member of the support is lowered to reduce and / or eliminate the risk of accidental movement of the aeroplane. As another example, the support may be used on a motorcycle. When the support is in a configuration in which the stand member is lowered and the wheel is raised, movement of the motorcycle can be prevented. In this way, the support can prevent accidental movement of the motorcycle when the motorcycle is parked, e.g., in the event that the brakes of the motorcycle fail while the motorcycle is parked.

[0155] Figs. 30A and 30B show the support installed on shipping containers 1100 when the wheels are in the lowered position and when the stand member is in the lowered position respectively. When the wheels are in the lowered position, the shipping containers can be moved (i.e. rolled) between locations. Once the shipping container is in a desired location for storage, the cam block of each support is rotated so that the stand member is in the lowered position and the wheel is in the raised position. Advantageously, because the item supported by the support remains at a constant height while as the stand member and the wheel are moved to the lowered and the raised positions (respectively), the shipping container remains at a constant height. Of further advantage is that the support can be configured so as to enable the wheel to be removed, for instance, when the wheel is in the raised position. Removing the wheel when the wheel is in the raised position may reduce the risk of the shipping container being stolen, i.e. because it cannot be simply rolled away.

[0156] Figs. 31 to 33 show the support installed on mobile scaffolding 1200. Advantageously, the support can comprise the variation of Figs. 13 and 14 in which the foot of the stand member is configurable between a stabilising configuration and a storage configuration. In the stabilising configuration, the foot of the stand member has a greater surface area, which can provide for enhanced stability. In the storage configuration, the foot of the stand member has a lesser surface area, which can enable easier movement of the support, i.e. because it is not encumbered by the large foot member. This may enable the mobile scaffolding to provide greater stability when the foot is in the stabilising position, compared to mobile scaffolding of the prior art. Also, the height advantageously remains unchanged during transition from the scaffolding being supported by the stand member to the wheel(s). This is particularlyadvantageous because the scaffolding comprises more than one support. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the scaffolding comprises four supports - i.e. one associated with each wheel. If a height change occurred during said transition, this could cause part of the scaffolding to become sloped, which may result in items being held by the scaffolding (e.g. loose tools, screws, etc.) falling from the scaffolding. This would present a hazard for construction workers. Again, the support can be configured to enable the wheel to be removed, for instance when the wheel is in the raised position. This may reduce the risk of the scaffolding being inadvertently moved.

[0157] Fig. 35 shows a support 900 in which the support is fitted with a foot lever 902. The foot lever comprises two ends 901, 903 and is connected to the leg portion 910 of the stand member 902 at a pivot point 907. The foot lever 902 is further connected to the support by a connection rod 905 which extends through a lever cam slot 911 in the cam block. Pressing down on an end 901, 903 of the lever 902 causes the lever to pivot about the pivot point 907. At the same time, the connection rod 905 applies rotational force to the cam block. As this occurs, the cam block is caused to rotate, thereby causing the stand member and the wheel to be moved between the lowered and raised positions (as described above). The lever cam slot 911 which the connection rod 905 follows as the cam block is rotated has an irregular shape. This is due to the lever first rotating, and then, rotating and lifting. It is noted that the position of the pivot point for this lever is arbitrary, although confined to mechanical limits where is can effectively act as a lever in the two configurations.

[0158] In this regard, Fig. 35A shows the support 900 being supported by the wheel (i.e. in the wheel down, stand member up position). To change the position of the wheel to the raised position (and at the same time the position of the stand member to the lowered position) as shown in Fig. 35B, a user exerts force on the end of the lever 901 by, e.g. pressing their foot down onto the lever. To change the position back to that of Fig. 35A, the user exerts a force on the other end 903 of the lever by, e.g. pressing their foot down onto the lever. The provision of a foot lever 902 is advantageous because it does not require a user of the support to, e.g. bend down so as to be able to interact with a handle.

[0159] Not shown is an application of the support in which the support is used to support a scientific instrument. In particular, the support disclosed herein may be advantageously used to support a scientific instrument which requires a constant height. For example, the scientific instrument may be calibrated to operate a particular height and changes in height may affectits calibration. The support disclosed herein may also be advantageously used to support a scientific (or other) instrument which is sensitive to jarring. Again, jarring of a scientific instrument may affect its calibration or, in the case of very sensitive instruments, result in damage thereto.Swivel Locking Mechanism

[0160] Figs. 48 A and 48B show a swivel locking mechanism 1800. The swivel locking mechanism 1800 can be of particular use when the support apparatus is configured such that the mounting portion can rotate. It will be appreciated that the swivel locking mechanism 1800 can be used with any of the embodiments of the support apparatus disclosed herein, although small modifications known to the person skilled in the art may be required.

[0161] Figs. 48 A and 48B show a swivel locking mechanism 1800 in an unlocked position and in a locked position respectively. When the swivel locking mechanism 1800 is in the locked position, the mounting portion 1806 is unable to rotate. Typically, the unlocked position corresponds to when the support apparatus is in a configuration where the wheel is in a lowered position and the stand member is in a raised position. The locked position corresponds to when the support apparatus is in a configuration where the wheel is in a raised position and the stand member is in a lowered position. It will be appreciated that, in general, the configuration where the wheel is in a raised position and the stand member is in a lowered position will correspond to when the item supported by the support apparatus is in use.Accordingly, the swivel locking mechanism 1800 can advantageously prevent rotation of the mounting portion 1806 when the item is in use. It is noted that, in certain applications, slight rotations of the mounting portion (and thus the item supported by the support) could be disruptive. For example, when the item comprises a scientific instrument, slight rotations of the mounting portion (and thus the item supported by the support) may affect the readings and / or calibration of the instrument.

[0162] The swivel locking mechanism can be installed in the mounting portion 1806 of the support. As above, the mounting portion 1806 comprises two flange portions 1805. The swivel locking mechanism 1800 is comprised of two main components. First, the upper surface of the flange portion 1805 comprises a set of teeth 1801. The set of teeth 1801 may be arranged across the entire upper surface of the flange portion or, as in the illustratedembodiment, across a portion of the upper surface of the flange portion. Second, an underside 1803 of the mounting portion 1806 is fitted with recesses 1807. The recesses 1807 are configured so as to be able to receive the teeth 1801. In this regard, the recesses 1807 are arranged in a circular configuration, because the upper surface 1801 of the flange portion 1805 comprises an arc of a circle. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations of recesses and teeth are possible. For example, when the upper surface 1801 comprises a straight surface, then set of teeth 1801 are arranged in a straight line. As a further example, the swivel locking mechanism need not comprise teeth and recesses, as in the illustrated embodiment. For instance, the upper surface of the flange portion and the underside of the mounting portion may be fitted with correspondingly shaped portions which can matingly engage to arrest rotation.

[0163] In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 1807 extend around a perimeter of the underside 1803 of the mounting portion 1806. Advantageously, this enables the mounting portion 1806 to be locked in different orientations. However, in other embodiments, the recesses 1807 only extend around a certain part (or parts) of the perimeter of the underside 1803.

[0164] In the unlocked position of Fig. 48 A, there is a gap between the teeth 1801 and the recesses 1807. In this position, the teeth 1801 and the recesses 1807 are not engaged. As the flange portion 1805 is moved in a vertical direction, the teeth 1801 are caused to engage with the recesses 1807 (i.e. as in Fig. 48B). When the teeth 1801 are received by the recesses 1807, the mounting portion 1806 is unable to rotate (i.e. it is in a locked position). In use, the flange portion 1805 is caused to move in a vertical direction as the cam block is rotated so as to cause the wheel to move from the lowered position to the raised position (and the stand member to move from the raised position to the lowered position) so that the teeth 1801 become engaged with the recesses 1807.

[0165] The flange portion 1805 comprise two apertures 1809, 1811 through which the wheel axle and the cam block axle extend respectively. The vertical movement of the flange portion 1805 is driven by the movement of the wheel axle. On the other hand, the aperture 1811 is elongate to allow for the vertical movement of the cam block axle. In particular, aperture 1811 is configured such that vertical movement of the cam block axle within the aperture 1811 does not cause a vertical movement of the flange portion 1805. Advantageously, the vertical movement of the flange portion 1805 does not affect the vertical height of the item beingsupported by the mounting portion 1806. As such, the height of the item being supported by the mounting portion 1806 remains constant, even as the swivel locking mechanism is locked and / or unlocked.Locking Mechanism

[0166] As explained above, the present disclosure also provides a locking mechanism for locking a rotating member in a first position or in a second position, the locking mechanism comprising: a cam path defined in a hub; a lever; and a biasing member coupled to the lever at a first end by a contact member, the contact member being moveable along the cam path between a first position and a second position and being lockable and unlockable at the first position and at the second position. The biasing member is pre-tensioned such that, as a radial force is applied to the biasing member by the lever, for example when manipulated by a user, the contact member is moved onto the cam path, thereby unlocking the contact member, and the lever becomes moveable so as to move the contact member between the first position and the second position.

[0167] Turning first to Figs. 42A and 42B, a locking mechanism 1700 is shown. The locking mechanism 1700 comprises a housing 1702. The housing 1702 comprises a hub 1704 and a base 1706. Figs. 46A and 46B provide perspective views of the hub 1704. The hub 1704 is circular and comprises a lever 1710. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 1701 is elongate, with a first end 1714 arranged within the hub 1704 and a second end 1716 extending therefrom. The lever 1710 comprises a longitudinal slot 1712 at the first end 1714 thereof. The longitudinal slot 1712 is configured to allow the lever 1710 to be slidable within the hub 1704 between a retracted position (in which the contact member is located on the cam path) and a protracted position (in which the contact member abuts an edge of the base).

[0168] The lever 1710 is coupled to the hub 1704 at the first end 1714 via a turning nut 1708. The turning nut 1708 and the lever 1710 are coupled such that a rotation of the lever 1710 causes the turning nut 1708 to rotate. The turning nut 1708 is further configured to receive the cam block axle (e.g. see Figs. 37 and 38). The turning nut 1708 and the cam block axle 1522 are coupled such that a rotation of the turning nut 1708 causes rotation of the cam block axle 1522 (and, as a consequence, the cam block 1512). In this regard, the turning nut 1708 is configured to transfer the rotational movement of the lever 1710 to the cam block 1512 suchthat rotation of the lever 1710 causes rotation of the cam block axle 1522 and, as a consequence, the cam block 1512.

[0169] At the second end 1716, the lever comprises a bar 1720 which extends orthogonally therefrom. The bar 1720 can be advantageously employed by the user, for example by hand or foot manipulation, to actuate the locking mechanism 1700. However, in other embodiments, the lever does not comprise a bar at the second end. In such embodiments, the locking mechanism is actuated using the lever directly.

[0170] The locking mechanism also comprises a biasing member. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member is in the form of a spring 1724. A first end 1725 of the spring 1724 is coupled to the lever 1710 via a contact member 1726. A second end 1734 of the spring is coupled to the base 1706 of the housing 1702.

[0171] The base 1706 comprises a cam path 1728 along which the contact member 1726 is moveable. The cam path 1728 comprises a first end 1730 and a second end 1732. When the contact member 1726 is at the first end 1730, the contact member 1726 in a first position. When the contact member 1726 is as the second end 1732, the contact member 1726 is in a second position. The contact member 1726 is lockable in and unlockable from the first position and the second position. Furthermore, when the contact member 1726 is located on the cam path 1728, the contact member 1726 is moveable between the first end 1730 and the second end 1732 (i.e. so as to be moveable between the first position and the second position). It will be appreciated that the contact member 1726 can comprise any suitable contact member which allows for movement of the contact member across the cam path with minimal friction. For example, the contact member can comprise a bearing, a stub, etc.

[0172] As can be seen in Fig. 37 to 39, the cam path 1728 is in the form of a flange configured in the shape of an arc. The flange projects inwardly within the base 1706 and the shape of the arc is parallel to the outer edge of the base 1706. At either end of the cam path 1728 is a step 1730, 1732. The spring 1724 is pre-tensioned such that there is a radial bias on the contact member 1726 which provides an outward force on the contact member 1726. This outward force acts to push the contact member 1726 against the edge of the base 1706. In this regard, the contact member 1726 is ‘locked’ in the first position. To enable the contact member 1726 to be moved over the step 1730 and onto the cam path 1728, a radial force is required. The spring 1724 is pre-tensioned such that, as a radial force is applied to the spring1724, the contact member 1726 is moved onto the cam path 1728. The contact member 1726 is thereby unlocked and becomes moveable between the first position and the second position. At the second end of the cam path 1728, the contact member 1726 moves past the step 1732. The contact member 1726 becomes ‘locked’ in the second position, because a radial force is again required to move the contact member 1726 over the step 1732 and onto the cam path 1728 (i.e. so that the contact member 1726 can be moved back to the first position).

[0173] The hub 1704 comprises a lip 1722. The lip 1722 extends around a circumference of the hub 1704. The lip 1722 comprises a first end, defining a first end stop 1736, and a second end, defining a second end stop 1738. As can be more clearly seen in Fig. 46B, the lip 1722 is configured such that the lever 1710 abuts a first end stop 1736 when the lever 1710 is in a first position. The lip 1722 is further configured such that the lever 1710 abuts the second end stop 1738 when the lever 1710 is in a second position.

[0174] The lever 1710 is moveable between the first end stop 1736 to the second end stop 1738 when the contact member 1726 is located on the cam path 1728. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 1710 is rotatable around an angle of about 90°. However, it will be appreciated that the angle around which the lever 1710 is rotatable can be greater than 90° or less than 90°.

[0175] The end stops 1736, 1738 are configured such that, when the contact member 1726 is located at the first end 1730 of the cam path 1728, the lever 1710 abuts the first end stop 1736. Accordingly, the first position of the lever 1710 corresponds to the first position of the contact member 1726. Additionally, when the contact member 1726 is located at the second end 1732 of the cam path 1728, the lever 1710 abuts the second end stop 1738. Accordingly, the second position of the lever 1710 corresponds to the second position of the contact member 1726. The lever 1710 and the contact member 1726 are coupled such that rotation of the lever 1710 causes the contact member 1726 to be moved along the cam path 1728 (and, conversely, movement of the contact member 1726 along the cam path 1728 causes rotation of the lever 1710). In particular, rotation of the lever 1710 from the first end stop 1736 to the second end stop 1738 causes the contact member 1726 to be moved from the first position to the second position. In this regard, the end stops 1736, 1738 act to prevent the lever 1710 (and therefore the contact member 1726) from rotating past the second position (when the lever and contact member are being moved from the first position to the second position) and / orfrom rotating past the first position (when the lever and contact member are being moved from the second position to the first position).

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, the first position corresponds to a position in which the lever is in a lowered position and the second position corresponds to a position in which the lever is in a raised position. The lever is rotatable in a clockwise direction from the first position to the second position and rotatable in an anticlockwise direction from the second position to the first position. However, it will be appreciated that the first position and / or the second position may be otherwise located and / or oriented around a circumference of the hub 1704. It will be appreciated that, in the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the lever 1710 corresponds to a rotational movement.

[0177] In some embodiments, the contact member 1726 is moveable between the first position and the second position by manual rotation of the lever 1710.

[0178] Alternatively or additionally, the spring 1724 can be further pre-tensioned with a rotational force. The rotational tension is such that, when the contact member 1726 is moved onto the cam path 1728 at the first end 1730 thereof, the rotational tension on the spring 1724 is released, causing the contact member 1726 to move along the cam path 1728 from the first end 1730 to the second end 1732 (i.e. the contact member and lever are both moved from the first position to the second position). In this regard, movement of the contact member 1726 from the first position to the second position is assisted by the rotational force of the spring. In such embodiments, the rotational force can be such that a user does not need to apply any further rotational force to the lever 1710 to move the contact member 1726 along the cam path 1728. This advantageously reduces and / or eliminates the need for the user to apply rotational force to move the contact member 1726 from the first position to the second position. This can reduce the effort required to rotate the rotating member.

[0179] Advantageously, the configuration of the locking mechanism can provide a way of locking and unlocking the rotating member with minimal effort. This is because, in order to move the contact member 1726 onto the cam path 1728, the primary force that needs to be overcome is the radial bias of the spring 1724. By appropriately designing the spring 1724, the effort required by a user can be minimised. Furthermore, when the spring 1724 is pretensioned with a rotational force, the pre-tension can be designed such that the force is sufficient to move the contact member 1726 along the cam path 1728 with no additional(rotational) force from the user. In this regard, the locking mechanism can provide a way of rotating the rotational member with little to no effort.

[0180] It will be appreciated that, in such embodiments, a rotational force on the lever 1710 is required to be applied by the user to move the contact member 1726 from the second end 1732 back to the first end 1730 of the cam path 1728 (i.e. so as to return the lever and the contact member to the first position).

[0181] In other embodiments, the spring can be pre-tensioned such that the contact member 1726 is caused to move along the cam path 1728 from the second end 1732 to the first end 1730 when the contact member 1726 is moved onto the cam path 1728 at the second end 1732 thereof.

[0182] Fig. 52 is a photo of an embodiment of a spring 1724 which can provide both a radial force and a rotational force. The spring 1724 comprises two portions. The first portion comprises a coil 1742. The coil 1742 is configured to provide the rotational force. The coil 1742 is placed around the turning nut 1708 in use. The second portion comprises an arm 1744 and is configured to provide the radial force. The spring can be radially pre-tensioned by pressing the arm 1744 toward the coil 1742, thereby creating the tension. Of course, it will be appreciated that other configurations of springs (or other biasing members) are possible.

[0183] The locking mechanism can be advantageously integrated into any of the support apparatus disclosed herein. As such, the operation of the locking mechanism is described in the context of the support apparatus as disclosed herein. However, it will be appreciated that the locking mechanism can have other applications. For example, the locking mechanism can be used to prevent accidental rotation of ball valves.

[0184] When the locking mechanism is integrated into a support apparatus of the present disclosure, the rotating member comprises the cam block of the support. Accordingly, the locking mechanism can advantageously lock the cam block in one of two positions. For example, the locking mechanism can advantageously lock the cam block such that the support apparatus is in a wheel raised / stand member lowered position or in a wheel lowered / stand member raised position. Additionally, the locking mechanism can assist in rotation the cam block from the first position to the second position. This can enable a user to move the support apparatus between the wheel raised / stand member lowered position or in a wheellowered / stand member raised position with minimal effort. In particular, the locking mechanism can be configured such that it can be actuated by a user’s foot. This again reduces the effort required by the user.

[0185] For example, the support 1500 (e.g. see Fig. 37) comprises a locking mechanism 1700. The locking mechanism 1700 is couplable to an exterior of the support 1500 via the housing 1702 of the locking mechanism 1702. It will be appreciated that, although the locking mechanism 1700 is shown only with support 1500, the locking mechanism 1700 can be employed with other embodiments of the support apparatus of the present disclosure. In this regard, the person skilled in the art will understand how to adjust the locking mechanism 1700 such that it is suitable for use with any of the other embodiments of a support as disclosed herein.

[0186] The locking mechanism 1700 is configured such that movement of the contact member 1726 along the cam path 1728 causes the cam block 1512 to be rotated. In this regard, the cam block 1512 comprises the rotating member that the locking mechanism acts to lock in a first position or in a second position. The locking mechanism 1700 is coupled to the cam block axle 1522 via the turning nut 1708. The rotational movement of the contact member 1726 is transferred to the cam block 1512 via the cam block axle 1522 such that, as the contact member 1726 moves along the cam path 1728, the cam block 1512 is caused to rotate.

[0187] The locking mechanism 1700 can prevent accidental rotation of the cam block because a radial force must be applied (i.e. by a user) to the lever 1710 to move the contact member 1726 onto the cam path 1728 such that the contact member 1726 is moveable between the first position and the second position. Figs. 39A, 39B and 39C show how movement of the contact member 1726 along the cam path (along with a corresponding rotation of the lever 1710) causes a rotation of the cam block 1512.

[0188] In Fig. 39A, the wheel is in the raised position and the stand member is in the lowered position such that the support cannot be moved (i.e. because the wheel is in the raised position). The lever 1710 is protracted and is in the first position in which the lever 1710 is in a lowered position. In this first position, the lever 1710 abuts the first end stop 1736. Similarly, the contact member 1726 is in the first position and is located at the first end 1730 of the cam path 1728 where it abuts the step located thereat. The spring 1724 is outwardlybiased such that the contact member 1726 is pushed against the outer edge of the base 1706. Consequently, the contact member 1726 is unable to move over the step onto the cam path 1728. The contact member 1726 is ‘locked’ in this position and is not moveable along the cam path 1728. Because the lever 1710 is protracted, there is no radial force acting on the spring 1724. Accordingly, the lever 1710 is unable to be rotated by a user (i.e. because the contact member 1726 is abutting the step and is not free to move along the cam path 1728). Because the rotation of the lever 1710 causes the rotation of the cam block 1512, by preventing the lever 1710 from being moveable, the cam block 1512 cannot be rotated. Accordingly, the support is locked in a position where the wheel is raised and the stand member is lowered. Providing a locking mechanism (such as the locking mechanism 1700) minimises the risk of the cam block being accidentally or inadvertently rotated such that the support is moved to a wheel lowered / stand member raised configuration. When the support is in a wheel lowered / stand member raised configuration, the support is moveable.Consequently, the locking mechanism can reduce the risk of the item being supported by the support being accidentally moved. Accidental movement can present a safety risk in certain applications, such as when the support apparatus is used to support scaffolding.

[0189] To rotate the cam block, the lever 1710 is actuated by pushing it in the direction of the arrow 1740. That is, the lever 1710 is pushed into a retracted position. The lever 1710 is then rotated slightly in a clockwise direction such that the contact member 1726 moves onto the cam path 1728. To push the lever 1710 such that the contact member 1726 moves onto the cam path 1728, the radially outward force of the spring 1724 must be overcome. It will be appreciated that the (radial) pre-tension on the spring 1724 can be selected based on the force that will be required to push the lever 1710 such that the contact member 1726 moves onto the cam path 1728. For example, this force should not be too large such that it is difficult for the user to push the lever 1710.

[0190] Advantageously, the configuration of the locking mechanism can provide a way of locking and unlocking the cam block 1512 with minimal effort. This is because, in order to move the contact member 1726 onto the cam path 1728, the primary force that needs to be overcome is the radial bias of the spring 1724. By appropriately designing the spring 1724, the effort required by a user to actuate the lever 1710 can be minimised.

[0191] As the lever 1710 is rotated clockwise, the cam block 1512 is caused to rotate clockwise. As a result, and as explained in detail above, rotation of the cam block 1512 causesthe wheel axle to move along the wheel cam slot 1514 (via the respective follower) and the stand member axle to move along the stand member cam slot 1516 (via the respective follower). In particular, as the lever 1710 is moved from the position in Fig. 39A to the position in Fig. 39B, the cam block 1512 is caused to rotate such that the wheel is moved from the raised position to the lowered position and the stand member remains in the lowered position.

[0192] From the position of Fig. 39B, the lever 1710 can continue to be rotated clockwise until the lever 1710 abuts the second end stop 1738. As the lever 1710 continues to be rotated clockwise, the cam block 1512 is caused to rotate causing the wheel axle to move along the wheel cam slot (via the respective follower) and the stand member axle to move along the stand member cam slot (via the respective follower). The lever 1710 can continue to be rotated until the lever 1710 reaches the second position in which the lever 1710 abuts the second end stop 1738. In this position, the contact member 1726 is located at the second end 1732 of the cam path 1728. The radial bias of the spring 1724 causes the contact member to move off the cam path 1728 such that it locates against an inner edge of the base 1706 and adjacent the step at the second end 1732. Accordingly, the lever 1710 is caused to return to a protracted position. Because the lever 1710 now abuts the second end 1738, further rotation of the lever 1710 (and therefore the contact member 1726) in the clockwise direction is not possible. As the lever 1710 is moved from the position in Fig. 39B to the position in Fig. 39C, the wheel remains in the lowered position, whilst the stand member is caused to move from the lowered position to the raised position.

[0193] To rotate the cam block 1512 so as to cause the wheel to be raised and the stand member to be lowered, the lever 1710 (i.e., moving the lever 1710 in an anti-clockwise direction), the lever 1710 is pushed in the direction of the arrow 1740 so that it is in a retracted position and so that the contact member 1726 is moved onto the cam path 1728. The lever 1710 is then rotated in an anticlockwise direction until the lever 1710 abuts the first end 1736 of the lip. In this position, the contact member 1726 has moved off the cam path 1728 and is located adjacent the step at the first end 1730 thereof. Because the lever 1710 now abuts the first end 1736 of the lip 1722, further rotation of the lever 1710 (and therefore the contact member 1726) in the anticlockwise direction is not possible.

[0194] It will be appreciated that the length of the arc travelled by the contact member 1726 along the cam path 1728 (and the arcuate distance between the end stops 1736, 1738) isdependent on the change in height of both the wheel and the stand member as each is moved between the raised and lowered positions. In particular, the arcs must be long enough such that in the first position the wheel is fully raised and the stand member is fully lowered, and in the second position the wheel is fully lowered and the stand member is fully raised.

[0195] As explained above, in some embodiments, the spring 1724 is pre-tensioned such that, when the contact member 1726 is moved onto the cam path 1728 at the first end thereof, a rotational tension on the spring 1724 is released. This release of rotational tension assists in moving the contact member 1726 along the cam path 1728 from the first end 1730 to the second end 1732 (thereby causing rotation of the cam block 1512 such that the wheel of the support is lowered and the stand member of the support is raised). The pre-tension can be advantageously selected such that no additional (rotational) force is required to be applied to the lever 1710 by the user to assist in moving the contact member 1726 to the second end 1732 of the cam path 1730. That is, a user is not required to manually move the lever 1710 from the first position to the second position. This can advantageously enhance the user’s ability to easily move the wheel into the lowered position so as to allow movement of the item being supported by the support. This is because the user must simply actuate the lever so as to cause the contact member 1726 to be moved onto the cam path 1728. The (rotational) force of the spring then moves the contact member 1726 along the cam path 1728.

[0196] To return the wheel to the raised position (and the stand member to the lowered position), a manual force on the lever 1710 is required. In particular, the lever 1710 must be pushed into the retracted position (such that the contact member 1726 is on the cam path 1728). The lever 1710 must then be rotated from the second position back to the first position. As the lever 1710 is rotated, the tension on the spring 1724 is increased. It will be appreciated that the rotational pre-tension of the spring 1724 can be further selected such that a user can rotate the lever 1710 from the second position back to the first position with minimal effort.

[0197] In the first position, the rotational force on the spring is prevented from being released because the contact member 1726 abuts the step on the first end 1730 of the cam path 1728. It is noted that the spring 1724 is typically pre-tensioned such that, even in the second position, some tension remains. In the second position, the spring 1724 is prevented from continuing to rotate the contact member 1726 within the base 1706 because the lever 1710 abuts the second end 1738 of the lip 1722. This prevents the lever 1710 from being further rotated in the clockwise direction.

[0198] The locking mechanism 1700 can comprise a bar 1720 which extends orthogonally therefrom. The bar 1720 can be employed to actuate the locking mechanism 1700. In particular, when the lever 1710 is in the first position, a user can kick the bar upwards so as to cause the lever 1710 to become retracted and the contact member 1726 to be moved onto the cam path 1728. As the contact member 1726 is moved onto the cam path 1728, the rotational tension in the spring 1754 is released, causing the contact member 1726 to move to the second position. In this regard, the support can be moved from the wheel up / stand member down to the wheel down / stand member up configuration with very little user effort. Again, this can advantageously enhance the user’s ability to move the support into the lowered position so as to allow movement of the item being supported by the support. In particular, the bar 1720 can allow the user to move the wheel into the lowered position without having to bend down, etc.

[0199] Advantageously, the locking mechanism can provide a way of securely locking the cam block 1512 and then unlocking the cam block 1512 with minimal (and, in some embodiments, virtually no) effort. This is because, in the first position and the second position, movement of the lever 1710 is not possible without appropriate external force from a user (because the contact member 1726 is locked by the end steps of the cam path 1728). To move the contact member 1726 onto the cam path 1728, such that the lever 1710 is moveable, the primary force that needs to be overcome is the radial bias of the spring 1724. By appropriately designing the spring 1724, the effort required by a user can be minimised. Furthermore, when the spring 1724 is pre-tensioned with a rotational force, the pre-tension can be designed such that the force is sufficient to move the contact member 1726 along the cam path 1728 with no additional force from the user. In this regard, the locking mechanism can provide a way of rotating the rotational member with little to no effort.

[0200] Of further advantage is that the forces that must be overcome to lock and unlock the cam block 1512 and to rotate the cam block 1512 are correlated to the radial and rotational biases of the spring 1724. That is, these forces are largely independent of the weight of the items being supported by the support. In this regard, the locking mechanism as disclosed herein can provide a way of locking / unlocking and rotating the cam block with minimal effort, even when a significant load is being supported by the support. Of course, it will be appreciated that, when the load being supported is heavier, the support itself will need to beconstructed from higher strength materials. Accordingly, the spring may be required to have a higher bias.

[0201] In some embodiments, the spring 1724 is pre-tensioned in a reverse direction whereby the contact member 1726 is caused to be rotated by the spring 1724 such that the cam block 1512 is rotated from a position in which the wheel the lowered and the stand member is raised to a position in which the wheel is raised and the stand member is lowered.

[0202] As above, in the embodiment of Fig. 37, the locking mechanism 1700 is couplable to an exterior of the support 1500 via the housing 1702 of the locking mechanism 1702. In this embodiment, the base 1706 is integrally formed with the saddle arm 1535. However, alternatively, the locking mechanism may be integrated into the support apparatus. For example, in an alternative embodiment, shown in Figs. 53 and 54, the locking mechanism is integrated into the support 1900.

[0203] As can be seen from Figs. 53 to 57, the locking mechanism can be configured such that it is integrated into the support 1900. In this regard, unlike the locking mechanism 1700 described above, the locking mechanism of the support 1900 does not comprise an additional housing. Rather, the cam path 1728 is located within one of the bearing hubs 1933. That is, the cam path 1728 is defined by a slot within the bearing hub 1933. As with the locking mechanism 1700, one end of the spring 1724 is coupled to the lever 1710 via a contact member 1726. The contact member 1726 locates within the slot that defines the cam path 1728. The cam path 1728 comprises grooves at either end 1730, 1732 which lock the contact member 1726 in the first position or the second position, respectively. Actuating the lever 1710 against the radial bias of the spring 1754 causes the contact member 1726 to move onto the cam path 1728 such that the lever 1710 and the contact member 1726 are (together) moveable between the first position and the second position.

[0204] The second end of the spring 1724 is coupled to the cam block. In particular, the second end of the spring 1724 is fixedly connected to the cam block so that the spring 1724 is held in place and allows the contact member 1726 to move along the cam path 1728. The connection between the spring 1724 and the cam block also enables the spring 1724 to comprise a rotational pre-tension which acts to assist movement of the contact member 1726along the cam path 1728 from the first position to the second position. For example, cam block may be provided with a groove into which the second end of the spring is fitted.

[0205] It is noted that the cam path 1728 must be configured to accommodate the vertical movement of the bearing hub 1933 (which occurs because the bearing hub 1933 moves between a raised position and a lowered position as the wheel is moved between a raised position and a lowered position). To accommodate the movement of the bearing hub 1933, the length of the cam path 1728 can be increased. Alternatively, without being bound by theory, it is thought that the cam path 1728 could instead be configured to comprise a portion of variable radius (e.g. as described above with reference to the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot).

[0206] Instead of a locking nut (as in the locking mechanism 1700), the lever 1710 is fitted with a turning lug 1988 at the second end thereof. The turning lug 1988 is coupled to the cam block 1912, such that rotation of the turning lug 1988 causes rotation of the cam block 1912. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 53, the cam block 1912 comprises a groove 1935 configured to receive the turning lug 1988. It is noted that the groove 1935 should be longer than the length of the turning lug 1988 to accommodate for the vertical movement of the bearing hub 1933 (i.e. because the bearing hub 1933 moves between a raised position and a lowered position as the wheel is moved between a raised position and a lowered position).

[0207] In this regard, it will be appreciated that the lever 1710 has two contact points which are located on either side of the central shaft (and thus the cam block axle 1922). To accommodate the cam block axle 1922 and to allow for the rotational movement of the lever, the portion of the lever which extends between the contact member 1726 and the turning lug 1988 is curved.

[0208] The bearing hub 1933 comprises a further slot 1931 through which the turning lug 1988 projects, so as to enable the turning lug 1988 to be received in the groove 1935 of the cam block 1912. The ends of the slot 1931 are defined by the end stops 1736, 1738. Accordingly, the position of the end stops 1736, 1783 (and hence the configuration of the slot 1931) allows the lever 1710 to be moveable between the first position and the second position (when the contact member 1926 is located on the cam path 1928).

[0209] The configuration of the remaining components of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 53 and the operation thereof are the same or similar to that of the locking mechanism1700 previously described. As such, it will not be described again in detail. In particular, Fig. 55 shows how moving the lever 1710 (so as to cause movement of the contact member 1726 along the cam path 1728) causes rotation of the cam block 1912 so that the support apparatus is moved between a wheel raised / stand member lowered position to a wheel lowered / stand member raised position.

[0210] Illustrated in Fig. 57 is a further variation of the support 1900 in which the lever comprises a double-sided lever 1790. That is, there is a bar which extends between and connects the two levers.

[0211] Illustrated in Figs. 58 to 60 is a further variation of a support 2000. The support 2000 is similar to the support 1900 except that instead of a further slot 1931 and a turning lug 1988, the bearing hub 2033 comprises a second cam path 1728b and a second contact member 1726b. As above, the cam paths 1728, 1728b are defined as two curved slots within the bearing hub 2033. As above, the cam path 1728 comprises grooves at either end 1730, 1732. Similarly, the cam path 1728b comprises grooves at either end 1730b, 1732b. These grooves 1730b, 1732b perform the same function as the end stops 1736, 1738 of the support 1900. That is, the grooves 1730b, 1732b prevent further rotation of the spring.

[0212] The grooves 1730b, 1732b also provide a double locking of the lever 1710 in the first position and the second position respectively. The radial biasing of the spring 1724 is such that the second contact member 1726b sits within a groove 1730b, 1732b when located at a respect end of the second cam path 1728b. Accordingly, to be moveable within the second cam path 1728b, a force must be applied to the second contact member 1726b to overcome the radial bias of the spring 1724 so as to cause the contact member 1726b to be moved onto the second cam path 1728b. As above, this can be achieved by pushing the lever 1710 in an inwardly radial direction.

[0213] In this regard, in this further variation of the support 2000, actuation of the lever 1710 can cause the contact member 1726 to be moved onto the cam path 1728 and, at the same time, can cause the contact member 1726b to be moved onto the second cam path 1728b. Each contact member 1726, 1726b is then moveable along the respective cam path 1728, 1728b (e.g., either via manual movement of the lever by a user or through the release of a rotational tension on the spring 1724, as described above in detail).

[0214] As above, it will be appreciated that the lever 1710 has two contact points which are located on either side of the central shaft (and thus the cam block axle 2022). To accommodate the cam block axle 1922 and to allow for the rotational movement of the lever, the portion of the lever which extends between the two contact members 1726, 1726b. In this way, the handle is configured so that it can manipulate the two contact members 1726, 1726b whilst avoiding interfering with the shaft.

[0215] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 58 to 60, each of the contact members 1726, 1726b comprises a shaft which radially extends therefrom into two equally sized recesses 2011, 2013 in the cam block. This enables rotation of the cam block when rotational load is applied to the lever. That is, the shafts translate the rotational movement of the lever to a rotation of the cam block, thereby causing rotation of the cam block and causing the wheel and stand member to be moved between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0216] In the variations of the locking mechanism 1700 described above, the locking mechanism 1700 is configured such that when the contact member 1726 is moved onto the cam path 1728, the rotational action of the spring 1724 causes the contact member 1726 to be moved along the cam path 1728 such that the support apparatus is caused to change from a position in which the wheel is lowered and the stand member is raised to a position in which the wheel is raised and the stand member is lowered.

[0217] In alternative configurations, the locking mechanism is instead configured so that, when the contact member is moved onto the cam path, the rotational tension of the spring causes the contact member to be moved along the cam path such that the support apparatus is caused to change from a position in which the wheel is raised and the stand member is lowered to a position in which the wheel is lowered and the stand member is raised. An embodiment of such a support 2100 is provided in Figs. 61 to 65.

[0218] The support 2100 comprises a locking mechanism 2200 which is internal to the support 2100. The configuration of the support 2100 with the locking mechanism 2200 is most similar to the support 2000 in that the locking mechanism comprises two cam paths 2228, 2228b along with corresponding contact members 2226, 2226b. The configuration and operation of the locking mechanism 2200 is similar to the configuration and operation of the locking mechanism 1700. However, the locking mechanism 2200 is configured to rotate in anopposite direction to the locking mechanism 1700. That is, in the first position, the lever 2210 of the locking mechanism 2200 is oriented upwardly, with the wheel in the raised position and the stand member in the lowered position. In the second position, the lever 2210 is oriented downwardly, with the wheel in the lowered position and the stand member in the raised position. When there is a rotational tension on the spring 2224, the rotation tension is such that, as the lever 2210 is pushed inwardly so as to cause the contact members 2226, 2226b to locate on the respective cam path 2228, 2228b, the rotational force of the spring assists in the movement of the contact members 2226, 2226b from the first end to the second end of the respective cam path 2228, 2228b, thereby causing the wheel to be lowered and the stand member to be raised. As above, the assistance provided by the spring can be such that the user does not need to provide any additional force on the lever to cause the movement of the contact members 2226, 2226b along the cam path 2228, 2228b.

[0219] In the illustrated embodiment of Figs. 61 to 65, each of the contact members 2226, 2226b comprises a shaft which radially extends therefrom into two recesses 2111, 2113 in the cam block 2212. This causes rotation of the cam block 2212 when rotational load is applied to the lever. That is, the shafts translate the rotational movement of the lever to a rotation of the cam block, thereby causing rotation of the cam block and causing the wheel and stand member to be moved between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0220] It is noted that the cam paths 2228, 2228b must be configured to accommodate the vertical movement of the bearing hub 2133 (which occurs because the bearing hub 2133 moves between a raised position and a lowered position as the wheel is moved between a raised position and a lowered position). To accommodate the movement of the bearing hub 2133, the cam paths 2228, 2228b are configured to comprise a portion of variable radius (e.g. as described above with reference to the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot). The configuration of the cam paths 1728, 1728b (including the provision of a portion of variable radius) is most clearly illustrated in Figs. 63A to 63C which provide schematics of the bearing hub and the cam block when the support is in three different configurations (wheel up and stand member down, wheel down and stand member down, wheel down and stand member up, respectively).

[0221] In addition, it is noted that when the locking mechanism 2100 is configured in this way, the movement of the lever 2210 between the first and second positions can be restricted due to the movement of the stand member. For example, see Figs. 64A and 64B which showthe relative movement of the wheel, the stand member and the lever as the lever is rotated so as to cause the support to be moved between the wheel up and stand member down to the wheel down and stand member up position. Accordingly, the locking mechanism 2100 should be configured to accommodate the vertical movement of the stand member. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 2210 is configured to rotate approximately 60° between the first position and the second position. The variable radius portion of the cam paths 2228, 2228b may be further configured to account for the reduced range of motion of the lever 2210. For instance, as in the illustrated embodiment, the change in radius of the variable radius portion of the cam paths 2228, 2228b may be greater than the change in radius of the variable radius portion (when present) of the cam paths 1728, 1728b in other embodiments of the locking mechanism.

[0222] It will be appreciated that the recesses 2111, 2113 in the cam block 2112 into which the contact members 2226, 2226b extend must likewise be configured to accommodate the vertical movement of the bearing hub 2133. Additionally, the recesses 2111, 2113 must be configured to account for the rotational movement of the contact members 2226, 2226b (i.e., as the contact members 2226, 2226b move along the respective cam path 2228, 2228b), as well as the radial movement of the contact members 2226, 2226b (i.e., as the contact members 2226, 2226b are caused to locate on and off the respective cam path 2228, 2228b at either end thereof).

[0223] Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure. For example, different embodiments can comprise different numbers of wheels, cam blocks, leg members, etc. In addition, the cam block can comprise different shapes and the cam slots can comprise different configurations. The different support apparatus may each further comprise a locking mechanism (either couplable to an exterior thereof of integrated into the support apparatus). Also, the applications of the support provided herein are for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that the support can have a number of additional applications which are not contemplated herein.

[0224] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, theword “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support apparatus for supporting items having a stand member and a wheel, wherein the item is supported from a surface at a height by either the stand member or the wheel, the apparatus configured to move the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, to correspondingly move the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position.

2. A support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support is configured such that as the wheel and the stand member are moved, the height of the item remains substantially constant.

3. A support as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the support is configured such that the item is supported by either the stand member or the wheel so that the support is selectively able to prohibit movement of the support and item supported thereon or to allow the supported item to be wheeled from one location to another.

4. A support as claimed in in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support comprises a cam block couplable to the stand member and the wheel, comprising a wheel cam slot and a stand member cam slot, and wherein the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot are configured so as to enable movement of the wheel between the lowered position and the raised position and, at the same time, corresponding movement of the stand member between the raised position and the lowered position.

5. A support as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support further comprises: a wheel axle extending through the wheel cam slot, being moveable within said slot, and coupled to the wheel; and a stand member axle extending through the stand member cam slot, being moveable within said slot, and coupled to the stand member; wherein the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot are configured so as to enable movement of the respective axles within the slots thereby causingmovement of the wheel between a lowered position and a raised position and, at the same time, corresponding movement of the stand member between a raised position and a lowered position such that the item is supported by either the stand member or the wheel.

6. A support as claimed in claim 5, wherein: the wheel cam slot comprises two ends oppositely located, the wheel axle being moveable between the two ends, and configured such that, when the wheel axle is located at a first end, the wheel is in the lowered position, and when the wheel axle is located at a second end, the wheel is in the raised position; and the stand member cam slot comprises two ends oppositely located, the stand member axle being moveable between the two ends, and configured such that, when the stand member axle is located at a first end, the stand member is in the raised position, and when the stand member axle is located at a second end, the stand member is in the lowered position.

7. A support as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein each of the stand member cam slot and the wheel cam slot comprises at least one constant radius portion whereby, as the respective axle moves within the respective cam slot, a distance between the respective axle when located in the respective slot and a pivot point of the cam block remains constant.

8. A support as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein each of the stand member cam slot and the wheel cam slot comprises at least one changing radius portion whereby, as the respective axle moves within the respective cam slot, the distance between the respective axle when located in the respective slot and the pivot point of the cam block changes.

9. A support as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the cam block is configured such that, as the axles move within the respective cam slots, one axle locateswithin a constant radius portion while the other axle locates within a changing radius portion.

10. A support as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cam block comprises: a first section in which the wheel cam slot comprises a constant radius portion and the stand member cam slot comprises a changing radius portion; and a second section in which the wheel cam slot comprises a changing radius portion and the stand member cam slot comprises a constant radius portion.

11. A support as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cam block further comprises an intermediate section between the first section and the second section in which, as the respective axle moves within the respective cam slot, the distance between the respective axle and the pivot point is constant.

12. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein the constant distance between the wheel axle and the pivot point is the same in the first section and the intermediate section.

13. A support as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the constant distance between the stand member axle and the pivot point is the same in the second section and the intermediate section.

14. A support as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the wheel cam slot and the stand member cam slot are each configured such that rotation of the cam block causes movement of the wheel axle within the wheel cam slot and causes movement of the stand member axle within the stand member cam slot.

15. A support as claimed in claim 14, wherein the slots are configured to allow movement of the respective axle within the respective slot as the cam block is rotated.

16. A support as claimed in claim 10 or in any one of claims 11 to 15 when dependent on claim 10, wherein an arc length of the slots in the first section andthe second section are configured to accommodate a vertical distance of the wheel and a vertical distance of the stand member between the raised position and the lowered position.

17. A support as claimed in claim 16, wherein an arc length of the slots in the first section is configured such that, as the axles move within the respective slots of the first section, the stand member moves between the raised position and the lowered position.

18. A support as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein an arc length of the slots in the second section is configured such that, as the axles move within the respective slots of the second section, the wheel moves between the lowered position and the raised position.

19. A support as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the vertical distance of the wheel between the raised position and the lowered position is different than the vertical distance of the stand member between the raised position and the lowered position.

20. A support as claimed in claim 10 or in any one of claims 11 to 19 when dependent on claim 10, wherein a curvature of the slots as the respective axles move between the constant radius portion to the changing radius portion is configured to enable the respective axles to move smoothly within the respective slots.

21. A support as claimed in claim 11 or in any one of claims 12 to 20 when dependent on claim 11, wherein an arc length of the slots in the intermediate portion is configured so as to provide stability to the support.

22. A support as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 21, further comprising a handle configured to operate rotation of the cam block so as to drive movement of the wheel axle and the stand member axle within the respective cam slots.

23. A support as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 21, further comprising a motor configured to cause rotation of the cam block during operation so as to drive movement of the wheel axle and the stand member axle within the respective cam slots.

24. A support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stand member comprises a vertical leg member and a foot at a lower end of the leg member for supporting the item on the surface.

25. A support as claimed in claim 24, wherein, when the stand member is in the lowered position, the foot is substantially planar to the surface so as to provide stability to the support.

26. A support as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the cam block is coupled to the stand member by slots through which the stand member axle and the wheel axle extend.

27. A support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mounting portion coupled to the stand member and the wheel such that it supports the item by the stand member or the wheel.

28. A support as claimed in claim 27 when dependent on any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the mounting portion comprises slots configured to receive the foot axle and the wheel axle such that, as the cam block rotates, the axles are able to move within the slots so as to maintain the constant height.

29. A support as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 28, wherein a profile of the cam block comprises a quadrant of a circle.

30. A support as claimed in claim 29, wherein the pivot point of the cam block is located at a corner of the quadrant.

31. A support as claimed in claim 29 or 30, wherein a distance between the stand member cam slot and the pivot point is less than a distance between the wheel cam slot and the pivot point.

32. A support as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 31, wherein: the wheel is one of two wheels which are the same and are couplable to the cam block, such that movement of the wheel axle within the wheel cam slot causes both wheels to be moved in tandem between the raised position and the lowered position; and the cam block is one of two cam blocks which are the same, and are couplable to the stand member with the stand member arranged therebetween.

33. A support as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 31, wherein the stand member comprises two leg members being spaced apart to receive the wheel therebetween.

34. A support as claimed in claim 33, wherein the stand member comprises an aperture, wherein, as the stand member and the wheel are moved between the raised position and the lowered position, the wheel is receivable through the aperture so as to contact the surface.

35. A support as claimed in claim 33 or 34, wherein the mounting portion comprises two downwardly directed flange portions, each flange being couplable to a respective leg member of the stand member.

36. A support as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the cam block comprises a circular profile, with the pivot point located at a centre thereof.

37. A support as claimed in claim 33, wherein the stand member cam slot and the wheel cam slot are oppositely located on the cam block relative to the pivot point.

38. A support as claimed in claim 14, or in any one of claims 14 to 37 when dependent on claim 14, wherein the support comprises an intermediary portion coupled to the wheel axle, wherein as the rotation of the cam block causes movement of the wheel axle within the wheel cam slot, the intermediary portion and the wheel are both caused to move between the lowered position and the raised position.

39. A support as claimed in claim 38, wherein the intermediary portion comprises a hub configured to house the cam block, the hub being coupled to the wheel axle.

40. A support as claimed in claim 38, wherein the intermediary portion comprises two bearing hubs located on either side of the cam block, the bearing hubs coupled to the wheel axle.

41. A support as claims in claim 40, wherein the intermediary portion further comprises one or more tie bars connected between the bearing hubs.

42. A locking mechanism for locking a rotating member in a first position or in a second position, the locking mechanism comprising: a cam path defined in a hub; a lever; and a biasing member coupled to the lever at a first end by a contact member, the contact member being moveable along the cam path between the first position and the second position so as to cause rotation of the rotating member and being lockable and unlockable at the first position and at the second position; wherein the biasing member is pre-tensioned such that, as a radial force is applied to the biasing member by the lever, the contact member is moved onto the cam path, thereby unlocking the contact member, and the lever becomes moveable so as to move the contact member between the first position and the second position.

43. A locking mechanism as claimed in claim 42, further comprising a first end stop and a second end stop, wherein the lever is moveable between the first end stop and the second end stop when the contact member is located on the cam path.

44. A locking mechanism as claimed in claim 43, wherein the first end stop and the second end stop are located and configured such that lever abuts the first end stop when the contact member is at the first position, and the lever abuts the second end stop when the contact member is at the second position.

45. A locking mechanism as claimed in claim 43 or 44, wherein the movement of the lever and the movement of the contact member is coupled such that as the lever moves between the first end stop and the second end stop, the contact member moves between the first position and the second position.

46. A locking mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the biasing member is further pre-tensioned such that, when the contact member is moved onto the cam path, a rotational tension on the biasing member is released, causing the contact member to move along the cam path from the first position to the second position, thereby assisting easy movement of the contact member.

47. A locking mechanism as claimed in claim 46 when dependent from claim 45, wherein the second end stop is configured to prevent further movement of the contact member when the contact member is in the second position.

48. A locking mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 47, wherein the contact member comprises a bearing.

49. A locking mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein the biasing member comprises spring.

50. A locking mechanism as claimed in claim 49, wherein the spring comprises a coiled portion pre-tensioned to provide a rotational force when the contact member is moved onto the cam path, and an arm portion that is radially pre-tensioned.

51. A locking mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein the first position corresponds to a position in which the lever is in a lowered position and the second position corresponds to a position in which the lever is in a raised position.

52. A support apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 41, further comprising the locking mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 51.

53. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the rotating member comprises the cam block of the support apparatus and wherein as the contact member is moved between the first position and the second position, the cam block is caused to rotate, thereby causing movement of the wheel axle within the wheel cam slot and movement of the stand member axle within the stand member cam slot.

54. A support apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein, when the contact member is in the first position, the wheel is in the raised position and the stand member is in the lowered position, and when the contact member is in the second position, the wheel is in the lowered position and the stand member is in the raised position.

55. A support apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 52 to 54, wherein the locking mechanism is couplable to an exterior of the support apparatus.

56. A support as claimed in claim 55, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a housing couplable to the exterior of the support apparatus, the housing comprising the hub, the lever and the biasing member.

57. A support as claimed in claim 56, wherein a second end of the biasing member is coupled to the housing.

58. A support as claimed in any one of claims 55 to 57, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a locking nut coupled to the lever and the cam block such that, as the lever moves between the first end stop and the second end stop, the locking nut is caused to rotate, thereby causing rotation of the cam block.

59. A support as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the locking mechanism is integrated into the support apparatus.

60. A support as claimed in claim 59, wherein the hub of the locking mechanism comprises a hub of an intermediary portion of the support.

61. A support as claimed in claim 60, wherein a second end of the biasing member is coupled to the cam block.

62. A support as claimed in any one of claims 52 to 61, wherein the lever comprises a foot operated lever.

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